Instead of the expected positive response, he expressed much frustration about not being able to hear clearly and missing many important lines as a result. His hearing was damaged severely due to more than 30 years of service in the military, and his current hearing aids were several years old and almost useless.

Remembering the “spirit-lifting” duty, his wife was happy to remind him that the Veterans Administration had promised to supply new hearing aids, which he would receive in about a week. He nodded, but added that it would be a miracle if they actually worked.

“Things are really bad when I can't even hear the words in a Harry Potter movie!” he said. Oh, my. He was discouraged.

The next Wednesday morning, they drove to the VA Hospital in Gainesville. She, the wife, had decided to stop saying, “I'm sure it'll be all right.” It only made him more upset.

So, they drove in a rather gray silence - she hoping for the miracle, and he accepting the state of going movie-less for the rest of his life.

The audiology staff quickly broke the dark mood with their spirited optimism and big smiles. Dr. Stevens, the audiologist, was both pleasant and very professional.

After a short time, the new aids were in the ears and there was a feeling of magic in the small office. Even whispered sounds were being heard clearly by the obviously stunned Colonel.

After all the instructions were given, and before leaving, the Colonel said, “Doctor, I just have to say that this is a very important moment for me.” Then his voice trailed off a bit and his eyes glistened with gratitude. This was really a life-changer.

Walking through the building to the parking lot, the Colonel was like a kid in a toy shop - rediscovering all sorts of sounds he had long since forgotten. What a wonderful experience for him. This might not pass the litmus test for miracles, but it surely comes close.

And, don't forget the effect all this had on the wife. Now, she can send him off to the movies with the expectation that he will come home to tell the story in great detail. She can even go with him and he won't have to keep asking, “What did he say?” And, the wife's spirit-lifting skills can be directed to other things.

As you may have guessed, Sterling and I are the Colonel and wife in this story. In fact, the “rest of the story” is that we plan to go to the Harry Potter movie together, as it will truly be a new experience for both of us.

We are very pleased to be able to share this very positive tale with you, and hope that you, too, will have some near-miracles happen in your life as well. Look for the magic and the miracles, believe in them, and you just might be surprised in the most wondrous ways. I'll meet you back here again, next week, On the Bright Side.

By Nancy Wood
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2006/01/20/lifestyles/lifestyles02.txt