November 5, 2006

Changing Eyes

My Mom, Miss Tish, sat up until the wee hours of the morning reading. She had an extensive library and a deep love of books. She kept abreast of the political scene and up to date on fashion, studied historical figures and present day people.

When the time came for her to move, I helped pack up her books. Standing on a very tall ladder next to the bookshelf, I asked her, “What is this one about?” I read her the title and she told me the plot. She knew them all, like old friends.

Sadly, macular degeneration affected her vision and she could no longer curl up with a good book. It denied her one of her greatest pleasures and the contentment of reading something to herself. She continued, however, to bless our family with her joyful spirit, sense of humor and clever wit. She experienced her loss and lived beyond it with a deep knowing and appreciation of the value of life and family: her gift to us.

Macular degeneration offsets the central vision in your eye. An Amsler Grid is a tool used to detect subtle visual changes and possible macular degeneration. St Luke's Eye-Q is a web site with a printable Amsler Grid, which you may use to take a self test for macular degeneration.

About 15 million Americans have macular degeneration and one may be a family member, friend or peer. Treatments and special training for skills to live with vision loss are available through Prevent Blindness America.

• Be aware.
  
  
• Get serious about your vision.
  
  
• It is precious.
  
  

With warm regards,

Susan Sadler Hayman
International Life Transitions Coach
Call me at 662-238-7754
www.susanhayman.com

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