In the older days of Sesame Street, there is a song scene in the library. We find Oscar the Grouch sitting in his trash can and inquiring the where-bouts of the Trash section…as if crumpled old newspapers and torn magazines were a highlighted and popular genre to read. Of course, the direction to his question does not come first thing—not without an attempt to tell what a library has otherwise.
Two muppets are there as well and start the song, bobbing up and down opposite to each other, but in step with the beat; they sing the chorus:
“There’s books for him and books for her and books for you and me. books for him and books for her and books for you and me. You’ll find your books for everyone at your library.”
The main cast come in with costumes to go along with the adventures you can have when reading, and as Oscar becomes more unimpressed, the singers bust out this fancy, “FA LA LA LA LA LA,” finale. Hard as they tried, Oscar interrupts the jolly tune, and in classic grouchiness, again wants only the trash section. The two muppets shake their heads, like sad defeat, and sing to turn around…the direction of the trash selection. Oscar exclaims, “WOW! I’m in heaven.” And tells the others to be quiet—after all, they are in the library.
We were not at the library, but my favorite bookstore—Barnes and Nobles—and after a loop around the place, Mom was directing me to the cozy chairs up front. You can’t leave without browsing the bargain books, so as Mom set to do so, I sat and reflected on books and reading…it was then that the library song came to mind. I wanted to laugh, but just smiled casually instead; regardless, I needed the humor because reading has changed.
Reading, for me, encompasses more than books—it is my means of communication within the hearing world, I consider lip-reading like a second language and used to be fluent in both it and ASL, at one point…but have always read lips until now.
March 5th, I saw my neuro ophthalmologist. Because I opt out of the eye surgery, it was my last time unless an emergency problem would arise. Upon leaving, a few things were evident even since seeing him in January—I am blind in the right eye and the little sliver of peripheral vision only catches a tiny beam of light. My left eye could read the big E on the wall; when I read words…as to not fully strain my lazy eye because it is trying to focus around a clear-ish blind spot in the middle of my eye…I use huge white lettering on a dark background; my social media has dwindled.
But that is not as important compared to person to person commu nication..,especially with my family. It takes time, lots of patience (mostly on their part), lots of finger spelling and basic signs or writing on a black dry erase board with neon markers. It is different—often frustrating, but communicating (tweaked from normal) is still possible.
“I don’t think God has a problem communicating with me,” I told Calli as we talked using the type in Word and I read method. Indeed, talking to God has been my only constant. He speaks to me with verses and songs, with memories of His Goodness.
My Life with NF2 
Talking to God being your only constant. This reflects your relationship with Him. Your words are something I truly look forward to reading. I am encouraged, convicted, and blessed by your words.
We love you,
Uncle Kim and Aunt Lisa
Your words of trust in our Heavenly Father are such an encouragement to me, Melinda! Thank you so much for continuing to write your thoughts. I am praying for you! ❤
I love to read your blog. You lift others up with your writing!
Cathy Aviles
Thank you Melinda.. thank you very much…
Hey! I am a friend of your sister’s. Keep up the good work blogging! I’m praying for you. I hope this week is extra good for you. You are loved! Phil. 4:13 & Psalm 91 💛 Please let me know if you have any prayer requests. Hugs!
Mel. I am always amazed at your determination. Your posts continue to inspire me to strive toward a closer relationship with our Lord. You are nothing short of an inspiration in so many ways you may not even realize.
Melissa, thank you for your blog–I haven’t left comments before, and it is high time I do so (my only excuse is that I don’t “do” comments on the blogs I read. Yours has become one blog I don’t want to miss. I especially appreciate your reflections on things (like reading) that give us encouragement for thankfulness right alongside awareness through your experiences of what their loss means. Most of all, your faith in the God who always hears and always sees and always finds a way to speak to us is a powerful testimony and encouragement to me. Thank you!!!
Pastor Craig
Melissa, thank you for your blog–I haven’t left comments before, and it is high time I do so (my only excuse is that I don’t “do” comments on the blogs I read. Yours has become one blog I don’t want to miss. I especially appreciate your reflections on things (like reading) that give us encouragement for thankfulness right alongside awareness through your experiences of what their loss means. Most of all, your faith in the God who always hears and always sees and always finds a way to speak to us is a powerful testimony and encouragement to me. Thank you!!!
Pastor Craig
I just read your blog to Howard and Cole. Your faith in The Lord has such a rippling effect to so many people in so many different ways. Thank you for sharing, for caring, and for giving. I love you so much dear friend!
I met you tonight at Youngs! I was very excited to meet you since I follow your blog. You are such an encouragement to others. It was good to see that you can still get out and enjoy ice cream. You even smiled and gave me a thumbs up when you saw my cone.
Thank you for your testimony!