Yes. I had a hard time falling asleep after thinking about what you had written in response to my rant. So, then I clicked on your profile, which led me to your beautifully-written story. I wanted to respond, but by that point, I was too exhausted to do more than clap 50 times.

About 25 years ago or so, I began avoiding the phone. Email was a lifeline because I could communicate without having to speak. Years later, I met with a client who also happened to be an otolaryngologist. He asked if I had Spasmodic Dysphonia — a condition I’d heard of because I tuned in to the Diane Rehm Show. Somehow, it was this huge relief to learn there was an actual neurological reason for why I sounded like I was some nervous, hyperventilating, breathless person about to self-combust on the other end of the line. I could sense the irritation and impatience.

I still get cut off all the time. People talk over me. It’s super frustrating. I think most people take for granted what their unbroken voices project, or how people make assumptions and judgments based on voice.

I clapped because your story both resonated and is a masterful piece of writing.