Glasses

Words started to blur on the screen.  Effort was needed to read.  Effort was needed to focus.  What was happening?  Surely, the first signs of an alignment that would lead to my demise.  Record the date.  This will let my daughter know exactly when I knew the end was nigh.

What does when do when their eyes get blurry?  Make an eye appointment!  How does one do that?  There are people who have been wearing glasses since they were a child.  They know known how to navigate that world.  The closest things to an eye exam for me was the little grey box at the DMV.  Usually, ending with a compliment about “what great eyesight you have.”  A compliment worn like a “S” on my chest.

An appointment was made.  There the doctor said what was happening was a natural progression of age.  What was happening typically shows 4 years earlier.  “Be happy for four bonus years”, he said.  He said not to panic.  There was an easy fix.  All that was needed were glasses.

Last night, getting ready for bed, I kneeled on glasses laid upon the bed.  Too busy.  Too distracted.  Too focused on the jumbles in my head. 

Two years ago, those glasses would not have been curling up, getting ready for bed.  They were not part of me.  Eyes were fine.  Chugging along.  Little skips, like a car letting you it is time for a check-up.  But working and functioning.

After many months, they have not been recognized as the extension they deserve to be.  They have not become a phantom limb when missing.  They are a tool waiting to be used.  An unwanted tool.  Not fully appreciated for the services they provide (have provided).  When this kneeling happened, it was disappointing, but handled gracefully.  A moment. A flummox.  No finger pointing.  No blame.

Then unbridled panic.  Without them words cannot to be lifted off the page.  Worlds cannot be explored.  Knowledge stays contained.  Secrets hidden within the page.  Information held hostage. Me untrained to negotiate their release.

Those glasses went on a journey.  The provided comfort and security.  They allowed this blog to exist.  They curled up with a glass of wine and a good book on those first nights without my daughter sleeping in the room next to me.

It is amazing the things that can be overlooked. Unappreciated.  Underappreciated.  Neglected.  Until they no longer exist.  Until they can no longer be used.  These moments help you stop and think.  To reflect and recognize what is truly needed.  All the electronics.  The toys, the gadgets, the willy-woos and doople-dings.  In the end, just things. 

Things that cannot be used without the glasses, sitting broken, on the bed stand.

A Vegan Father… using glasses that came in a 3 pack for $9.99 at Staples.  Being appreciated for the joy they provide.

Posted.  Not perfect.