by Annette M. Tessier

A co-worker at my full time job teases me about my ability to hear things that most others cannot. I am amused by his comments that I am the new age Lindsay Wagner  (aka Jaime Sommers of Bionic Woman). Despite my co-workers relentless banter, I have to admit it is true. I do have a very keen sense of hearing.

I began working part time at YWCA Northern Rhode Island about 5 1/2 years ago. After both my sons left home to pursue careers and college, the silence was just too much to bear. The young adult voices that filled my home with excitement were gone, the constant ringing of the phone simply ceased, and the motherly advice that I was so eager to dole out was no longer a priority in my sons’ lives. The YWCA became the outlet to fill that void . . . that dreadful silence.

What evolved over the past few years is not my keen sense of hearing, but my keen sense of listening. If you truly listen, you can hear the walls in this building tell their stories. I listened as one of our board members described with pride the rows upon rows of sewing machines that our members of long ago used in making their very first garment. A young, single mom asks forgiveness for not making a child care payment on time and I listened as her voice cracked with guilt for buying milk and diapers instead with the money. A young gymnast is moved up a level in competition and I listened to the piercing shrill of excitement that exploded from her tiny frame. I listen intently on the telephone to members of our Wellness Program as I invite them to attend our next seminar only to find that person was recently diagnosed with cancer or is grieving the loss of their spouse of 50 plus years. I listen to the struggle of a Parenting in Progress student’s voice as she describes her battle to conquer a math class. I listened to the intensely high-pitched sounds of cheer when we heard a co-worker was having twins — a boy and a girl! And if you listen closely, you can still hear the jovial laughter of a former worker taken from this life well before her time.

There are so many stories I have listened to here at YWCA Northern Rhode Island, and I have been empowered to listen to the voices beyond its walls. Not only here have I listened to stories that brought tears to my eyes and make me question “Why?” There have also been stories that have spontaneously brought a smile to my face. I have come to recognize that people just want to be heard, that I can learn from their experiences, and that what they have to say matters to someone. As we approach this busy holiday season known for its glitter and lights, crowded malls and traffic jams, and the laughter of family and friends gathered in festive attire, there is an extraordinary gift that you can share which will never break, never fade, and will never go out of style . . . give the gift of listening. It requires no fancy bows or shiny wrapping paper . . . all you need is a keen sense of listening.