Seeing: My Eyes And My Inner Eyes

 

It is cloudy today, promising rain. In middle June of the year 2024.We have had our share, the last few months, rebuilding reserve stocks of moisture to carry us through a warm spring and summer. We had a virtual drought last year which led to wild fires here and in other parts of North America. Were we getting a taste of a future world where temperatures rise to an insupportable level?

The staunch container ships are arrayed across the Bay. The water is glassy calm even with a sprightly breeze off the ocean ruffling my hair. It is currently being worn long and loose. My Bride and I are enjoying the pleasures of this promised summer day as we take our medicinal walk along the Sea Wall. Brave blooms are showing themselves everywhere, with the more courageous snowdrops and their ilk presenting a carpet of flowers here and there at our feet.

I am wearing an inappropriate hat which I have adorned with feathers and a button preaching love. We hold hands or lock arms depending on the traffic. People smile at us or remark on my hat. We are having a good time living in the moment.

We are pushing it in the age dimension. When we married at seventy we never thought about our age. We know people are living longer as advances in medicine and information about desirable lifestyles have their impact. Yet, we are a bit surprised, adding up the years, that we are still around seeing things with our own eyes. No complaints now about our aches and pains, we are still joyfully among the walking wounded.

Nevertheless, we do note that we are spending more of our time visiting medical practitioners. We are exercising regularly, but speaking for myself, I am finding it tougher every day. I now puff a little going up an inclining sidewalk whereas I used to pride myself on tackling any hill without effort. (Didn’t I used to be a marathon runner?) And while we used to walk everywhere not too long ago, we are now faithful users of public transit. (Travelling on public transit in Vancouver is a hoot and deserves a recitation of its own.)

We really depend a lot on our vision. I see people around with their white canes and I wonder how they manage. So much of my own life, it must be the same for you, depends on dependable sight. I read and write on my computer, not to speak of books, magazines and television. We walk and go wherever we wish with blessing of sight. I can’t imagine what life would be like if I were blind. My Bride is continually on my case regarding the care we must take, appropriate medications, eating healthy, and regular physical activity. We never got the drinking habit in spite of a well-stocked cupboard.

While specialists say that at least 75% of vision loss is preventable, there were about 7.7 million people (3.2 m. over 65,) in the US, and about 500,000 people in Canada, who have a vision disability. More frightening, it has been estimated that in Canada alone there are 5.6 million people with eye conditions that could lead to loss of sight. Of particular interest to me, there are about 750,000 suffering from diabetic effects. We are a case in point. I blithely assume that sight is a problem for others, indulging my sweet tooth without penalties so far.

Like most of you, I hope, we pay the necessary attention to our health. I am a user of a generous amount of the pharmaceutical industry’s products, and monitor my blood sugar. However, my medications have allowed a wide latitude in my dietary habits.. Diabetic retinopathy, malfunction of the retina, is an asymptomatic disease which strikes suddenly and with finality. Maybe I should learn to read Braille while I still have the luxury of sight, so I will be able to let my fingers do the sighting.

But today I am seeing the world with my own eyes. I do a lot of seeing, it must be said, with my inner eyes. But I would be unhappy if I could not easily share thoughts with you. I know how much of our lives is sweetened by the gift of sight. How about sight of my Bride, each and every day?

 Some time ago a friend came over with her two year old. I was able to play hide and seek with him and see him screech with delight. After they left, I tended my balcony garden, deciding where plants which have succumbed to the change in seasons should be replaced. It continues to be a riot of color.

We went shopping today at a store where one can go from station to station tasting delicious samples. It was crowded and it was a full-time job steering our enormous cart so as not to run down other shoppers. I would not be able to do that if I was not sighted. As usual, the bus trip to and fro was eventful and I was spinning my head around like a top absorbing it all thanks to the gift of sight. Through the magic of technology I can see my children, my grandchildren, and now my great granddaughter, on my phone and computer where ever in the world they are. What a blessing that is!

This morning I watched a new series on television.  I have been following the dramatic events taking place south of the border, and in the Middle East, so much so that I haven’t been able to keep up with events taking place in Canada. And now, I am indulging in my favorite pastime, typing on my computer and spinning tales about our lives.

I see my life passing before my eyes. What a blast! Insight can only do so much for you .I am using all facets of my eyes. I would hate to see them go. I am sure you feel the same.