Rector Has New Ears to Hear

I have just returned from a replenishing month in which I participated in a wonderful course for a week and spent the rest of the time on vacation and putting our son, Mike’s ashes to rest. I needed that four weeks to regroup and integrate all that has happened in the last year. As I mentioned in my sermon on August 19th, I felt like I came home in some ways, and I am grateful for a renewed sense of connection to God that happened during this time.

Some of you know about the struggle I had this year with Meniere’s disease, a problem with the inner ear, that effects my balance at times, (sometimes when it is very acute causing nausea), and my hearing at other times. I have had this disease for seven years, but it was something that presented itself as an annoying occurrence maybe once a year, or some years 5 or 6 times. This year my symptoms have become much more intense, with many days with impaired hearing and some days of acute dizziness. In my left ear, I have lost most of my hearing, and it will not return. Sometimes Meniere’s spontaneously disappears, so I kept hoping that it would go away. Now I am still praying for healing, but I am accepting that for now anyway, it is with me, and I have to make some adjustments and ask those around me to understand what is going on and to support me in certain ways.

I have been told that until my hearing stabilizes I am not eligible for a hearing aid. When it does, I will be fitted for one. I will be looking into salt reduction, which some doctors feel is helpful. In the meantime I purchased a “pocket talker”, which is a mobile unit that amplifies voices. I think this will make it possible to be in small groups, such as vestry and adult education. Sometimes I may ask someone to be my “translator” for a particular event, if this device isn’t adequate. I have also been looking into phones with an amplifying function. For the dizziness, most often I can take a pill, which after 20 minutes, helps a lot. I will also be looking into some alternative medical strategies. If you see me unsteady on my feet, it isn’t because I am drinking! If I have an attack of dizziness at a church service, we will have to deal with that together.

Humility is something that comes when we know our strengths, and our limitations. It is knowing and accepting our need of God and others. I hope this disease can help develop this form of humility in me. I will appreciate your support and your prayers for healing.