I was at the ophthalmologist office to get a new eyeglass prescription when the doctor covered the right eye. With my left eye I saw everything blurred – a black ball. I went to see a friend of mine who is an ophthalmologist and he suggested that I see a neuro-ophthalmology specialist.
He diagnosed me with age-related macular degeneration. He requested that I would do a fluorescent and colour retinography to confirm the diagnosis and said: “You are not going to be totally blind”. This happened in January 2000.
That year I was turning 69 years old and from that date on, I started to talk to my heart. The first advice was “Enjoy what’s to be enjoyed.”
My first challenges included driving the car at night or when it’s sunny and entering a tunnel, or even when it’s getting dark. These all became difficult. But then you remember that there are people that see absolutely nothing. A prayer says: ‘Thy will be done”. I can’t drive anymore and I am now a public transportation user. I ask the people that are waiting for the bus, “Could you please tell me when my bus is coming?” Then, if they tell me that their own bus is coming. I say “That’s OK! I will ask another person.” You have to ask for help.
As far as book reading is concerned at the beginning it was all right, but later on I had to use a magnifying glass. And today, I use CD’s. For the TV, plays, and movie theatres I use binoculars. While it doesn’t solve the problem I make it work for me. It’s difficult to use a bank card bank for banking operations or to see my account statement. And it’s difficult to do even simple things such as plugging in a switch, putting toothpaste on a tooth brush or trimming my nails. I also need to ask for help to cross the street.
But I have a strong desire to live and to serve. How beautiful is life! I smell the flowers’ perfume. I am grateful for so much and thank all that helped me yesterday, today and those that will help me tomorrow.
