"Speaking" Engagement

I was asked to share my story in the "I Survived" portion of the Handlers' Workshop for the American Humane Association Animal-Assisted Therapy program on October 16th. As you may (not) recall, I went through the workshop just shy of three years ago. Anyone who knows me knows that speaking to a group of people is right up there with being in a roomful of snakes as far as level of enjoyment goes. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about a program that I care so much about so I agreed.

Let's start with one week before the 16th though. I got a wicked sore throat and was concerned I had strep since it's going around. Then came the congestion. Well, I never really felt sick so I was a bit perplexed. Dave suggested that it might be allergies. As I'd always done in the past, I dismissed this idea as I really don't want to have allergies. I've seen how much of a pain in the arse they've been to other people and I just wasn't having any of that. Then it progressed to me basically losing my voice. Which coincided with when I was to give my speech.

I mustered through and did the best I could. Even though I sounded like a dude, my story was very well received. We then stayed for the mock evaluations so the workshop attendees could see what an evaluation looks like. It was a great afternoon and I really enjoyed being a part of the workshop.

That night I went over to Andrea's for girls' night and she and I were talking about my symptoms. I finally admitted defeat and took some allergy medicine. Oh...my...god...what a difference! See? It doesn't pay to be so stubborn, the only person you're hurting is yourself. I really need to remember that lesson.