Being Vigilant
Hearing loss and potential hazards
Two minor incidents this week reminded me that I become complacent when I’m with Sue, no matter how easy things may seem. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to be a super-considerate partner (which I’m not), it’s just what happened.
First. Sue was the round the corner with the mare whilst she (the equine she) grazed on the grass verge, I was busy back in the stable yard. Okay, I confess, I was drinking tea and colouring in squares on the crossword. But, I could see and hear any traffic approaching and would be able to nip over in time to help.
I didn’t hear the jogger, Sue couldn’t and the mare was crunching grass so didn’t hear either. A movement attracted Sue’s attention when the jogger was almost upon them and she pulled the mare’s head up so she could see the runner and wouldn’t spook.
Sue wasn’t quick enough and the Jogger didn’t slow, just ran straight behind the mare. Mare jumped sideways and swung round to see what was going on. That jump tweaked a front fetlock, nothing bad and after a day’s rest we were able to carry on the post-operative equine rehab. Sue was very rattled though and very anxious about something similar happening. Now, more than ever, Sue’s eyes are swivelling like a lighthouse. Would have been better if I’d been there.
Two days later as we exited a local shop I stopped to hold the door for someone, I saw Sue look right for traffic entering the small car park before walking the 10 metres to the car. In that short space in time and distance a car swung in fast. Sue was oblivious of the car and the driver eyes went large as he hit the brakes. He stopped and I called “sorry, my wife’s deaf”, the driver gave a friendly smile.
In our car I mentioned the incident, which Sue had been oblivious of, and (as friendly and concerned as possible) reminded Sue to be careful. She’d told me she’d turned down her attention level as she thought I was with her. If you read these blogs back, you’ll see we had a similar incident a while ago and I should have known to stop Sue walking on without me. It may only have been a few steps, but Sue is deaf 24 hours a day, all year.
Outside of home I need to look for potential risks and act accordingly, I can’t allow myself to become complacent no matter how safe the situation might seem.