The test that happened in the privacy of a soundproof booth was not long. The doctor of audiology, as her name tag said, knew how to find out if I could pick up low tones, high ones, consonants, vowels. She said words into the microphone and it was for me to repeat them back. It appears that I got a lot of them spot on. I don't think it actually mattered what words she used. It could have been about the frumious Bandersnatch. She was more invested in finding out if my ears discerned them up at all. 

The other day John and I listened to a couple that are going through more than the usual amount of upheaval. Is there a usual amount? Anyway, we started with check ins, and appreciations, before we got down to the matters at hand. But the truth is, I was listening less to the particulars of the last few weeks, and more to the affections within them. 

After they had each taken a turn with the Five Yeses, which is a communication tool, I gave feedback. 

"I didn't hear blame. You spoke with good will for one another, and kindness. Even when one of you expressed difficult feelings, the other one did not get defensive. I honor you both for that. Your relationship has a lot of strength."

"That is good to hear," she let out a sigh. Both speaking and listening had been hard. 

I did nothing to solve any of the dilemmas that are facing them. I offered no answers, or advice. But I think having one witness observe that they have those attributes running through their exchange will give them the courage to snicker snack the Jabberwock with a one, two! one, two! Then I expect that they will grab the severed head of their foe, chortling in their joy while they come galumphing back.