My Lost Voice

I caught a cold sometime around my 20-year high school reunion on October 16.

Like most of my colds, it settled in my chest and I had a horrific cough with led to the inevitable loss of voice.

Losing my voice is a nightmare. Instead of just keeping quiet, like a normal person, I continue to try and talk and sing and blah, blah, blah. So I end up sounding like Kathleen Turner for weeks.

On Thursday night I came home from work and proceeded to get ready to go to Philly to meet my dear friend, Sean. In town from Germany for a little while, we decided to meet up for a late dinner.

As I showered, got dressed and put on makeup, I put on a late 80's/early 90's playlist. Sean and Jennifer era-type songs. "Candy" by Iggy Pop played and darn it, didn't I try to sing the female part.

I got the first two words out and then my stinking voice cracked and disappeared. Foiled!

Sean and I went to a restaurant with his friend Chris whom he stays with while in town. It was a very cool place with yummy food and I felt pure bliss spending time with my friend. I never realize how much I miss Sean until I see him. Then I remember how awesome he is and then I hate Germany for taking him so far away.

At one point in the evening, "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure played in the restaurant. Sean and I, sitting across from each other, both looked at each other and smiled for a a second. Sean said to Chris, "This is a very Jenn and Sean song."

We proceeded to discuss The Cure. Then The Smiths. We agreed The Smiths were better than solo Morrissey and that Johnny Marr was the talent behind the operation.

As I spoke, I listened, with a full heart, to "Just Like Heaven".

A very Jenn and Sean song.

At the end of the night Sean walked me to my car.

"You have to come home," I told him.

"Didn't I tell you? I am."

I wanted to jump up and down, but let's face it, I'm old and could have broken a hip.

My dear friend is moving home next year. I am overjoyed.

A smooch and a hug later and I was driving home.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't sing "Just Like Heaven".

My voice was gone.

But my friend was coming back. One of those few dear friends we make in life who can understand everything you're feeling even if you can't speak the words.

How lucky am I?