There was a time I would never have thought that vinyl records would make a come-back. There was also a time that I never thought that, after twenty-five years, my dear Dr. Wool would make a house call, but it happened!  No, he didn’t walk into the front door, instead he popped up on my computer screen. I think it was Dr. Wool. He looked like Dr. Wool, but then I have never see him on my desk before. It was what is called, “a follow-up exam.” That one does not involve blood work or pee in a bottle, but it’s a, “How are You?” kind of an exercise.

First of all, these questions were asked:  “How are you feeling?” “Are you eating?” “ Are you getting enough rest?” After he answered those questions, we got down to the nitty and gritty of my exam.

Fortunately, I had no real complaints, but I did have a list of medical appointments, that, because of COVID-19, I had already delayed, and I wanted him to suggest which ones I should keep and which ones, I could further put off. That was a great help, since I can now venture out conscience free. I trust my doctor implicitly.

 My ophthalmologist  once asked me, “If Dr. Wool told you to jump off a bridge, would you do it?” And, I replied, “Absolutely!” Now, most of my medical appointments have been re-scheduled into October and November, but the appointment in August, with my audiologist is still on the books. No problem!

Here’s the drill: I will drive to the parking lot, get out of the car and ring the bell.  The audiologist will open the door, and I will turn the hearing aids over. I will then sit in the car for 10 or 15 minutes, while my hearing aids get their 6-month check-up, and then she will come to the car.  I will have to remember to roll down the window, and this masked person (whom I assume will be the audiologist and not the janitor) will hand my hearing aids back to me. Then, I will wipe them off with disinfectant and pop them into my ears, and hopefully hear some good news on my car radio.

That will be my first outing since March 15, and I am really looking forward to it. I have already picked out the outfit to wear, and plan to take some snacks and a cold drink. These days we need to improvise, because there’s nothing like a good party—even in the audiologist’s parking lot.

Esther Blumenfeld