I have accomplished what many said I would never be able to do. And indeed am quite proud of myself.

Firstly I am profoundly deaf, and have a slight speech impediment. With that, it is a certainty that once I was very hesitant to pursue what I wished. That was to become a singer. Or at least be capable of having people enjoy listening to me. I watched my father (who was a very well known guitarist and singer) and also my two brothers with yes envy, wishing it was me up on the stage.

Years came and went with me thinking "oh if only".

One day approximately twelve years ago, I met a wonderful woman who became an extremely wonderful friend. She sang and was so good. I mentioned to her that singing was something I had longed to do, ever since I was a little girl. With hands on hips she glared at me and said, "Oh you coward, just because you can't hear as well as everyone else, you are going to let your heart's desire fly the coop?" Not knowing how to answer I just sat there quiet.
She said "well OK gal, we are going to teach you to sing!"

I was stunned, to say the least, and with that she just grabbed her music sheets and said." OK, who do you like, Pasty Cline?"
I adored Patsy Cline and had a love for Rock and roll and Elvis. I just sat there grinning and nodding. So she placed headphones on me, and turned her stereo up saying, "sing gal,sing!"
Was I embarrassed? But as far as I was concerned it was now or never! I stumbled over the songs thinking she would be glad when I finished ,yet she had the biggest smile on her face. "Oh wow" she said, "you have a unique style".
Blushing I just wanted to get out of her house fast. But she wasn't having that.
It turned out that she was going to a music club that night, where people learned to sing or play a musical instrument.

Yep, she dragged me there, I did not sing the first night. It took me six weeks to gain the confidence to have a go. Yet in the meantime she taught me about pitch, chords, intros, microphone technique and so forth.
When I did sing, it was to be a day I will never forget. The founder of the club Jim said, "young lady what are you doing this weekend?"
"Um nothing" I replied. "Well in that case you're in the country music festival as a novice" he responded. Me, oh my goodness, was being entered in a singing competition! Well I came second, singing "Me and Bobby McGee".

Every other festival I have come home with a trophy or two, a few times three, for some category.
I also do bush poetry recitals. This has built my confidence levels to sky high.
It showed me that the only person who was holding me back was myself. It also showed me that you can do what ever you wish if you try hard enough!

The judges told me I am an inspiration and this makes me feel wonderful.

I now tell anyone with a hearing problem that if they wish to sing, do it!

I also learned that people who have a speech impediment, very rarely show it when they sing. It is also as such for people who stammer.

Learn more about this author, Shenni Bubb.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: My greatest accomplishments?
We want to hear your view. Write now!