Love Is Understanding

Hearing Impairment will bring consequences which only people who are deaf or hearing impaired will ever understand. So, the last place someone with a hearing problem would want to be is in a noisey and crowded venue, such as The House Of Blues. Yet, inspite of all the inconveniences I had to face, I persevered all of the obstacles and attended The Monkees Concerts last Wednesday and Thursday night.

I had no idea when I stood outside the building waiting in line for the show, I would be put to the test, even further by one of The Monkees. As I found my place to stand, (so I could get a good view) I noticed I was directly in front of Peter Tork. I didn't see him pointing and laughing at me. Then a friend brought it to my attention. I was embarrassed and I felt like an unwilling target of his ridicule.

Peter continued making a fuss, by getting two of the back-up musicians to notice the reason for his pleasure which came from the fact my clapping was off beat (from everyone elses) all during the concert.

My feelings were smashed by his rudeness regarding something I had no control over. Most people I know, would never react so poorly to someone with a disability. Although, in his defense, I'm not sure Peter knows me well enough to be aware of my hearing loss.

I tried to understand his behavior towards me that evening and rather then let Peter ruin the rest of my evening, I salvaged what was left of the night. I learned to forgive and forget his ignorance. I concentrated on the real reason which held the most importance to me, the show I had come to see and hear against all odds!

The long climb a hearing impaired person has to make in order to fit into the hearing world tends to be burdened enough without someone turning your handicap into a joke for all to see.

All and all, I have so many fond memories from previous Monkee shows, this one just turned out to be a lesson in compassion for me. I realize I was at a low point due to the constant tiring routine I had been keeping during that week. Trying to stay at the same pace these three Monkees maintain on a regular basis, I honestly don't understand how they're able to do it.

At times, I have been told I'm overly sensitive on many occasions by well meaning friends. I don't believe having tender emotions should be considered a fault.

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