This past Wednesday my eye surgery on my cataracts was completed. I now look at the world through two eyes uncovered by glasses. (OK, I do wear readers for computer work) My vision is crisp and clear. It is amazing! I cannot say more than that. After so many years of poor vision, I can see. The funny thing is that I still reach for my glasses each morning, and for just a moment, when I just wake up, I wonder why I slept in my glasses.
On Thursday, at my post op visit, one of the nurses asked my if I would speak to one of Dr. Sifri's patients who just learned she needed cataract surgery. She was on the fence about whether or not she should get it done. I spoke to her about my experience, about what it was like the week between surgeries - when one eye was done and the other not. I explained how bad my vision was, and how good it is now. I also told her the surgery was basically pain free. I know I helped her over her fear.
I am reminded how lucky I am each time I go outside and see the clear crisp sky, trees, and lawn. These things, as well as the technology to replace a damaged eye lens, are truly a gift from God.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
My day with Aunt Mary
Sunday Sharon Howard called me and asked if I would visit Aunt Mary. They were out of town, and her home had sent her to the hospital because her speech was bad, and she had some facial drooping.
When I arrived, she seemed happy to see me, after I explained who I was. She definitely remembered Elmer! We had a great visit, looked at old pictures and talked about Dad and Uncle Yatz. And she napped.
When she woke from her nap, though, she became very agitated. She was worried about me leaving, and seemed very disoriented. He speech was markedly more slurred, and I also saw some facial drooping. I tried to calm her fears, without promising to spend the night. I also asked the nurse if she could have something for her anxiety.
Aunt Mary was hooked up to wires, and an IV, and was restrained in her bed so she wouldn't get up. She understood that we had to call the nurse for restroom time. And recognized when she had to go.
She ate very little supper, about 5 bytes of meat, a very small potato, and 2 bytes of applesauce. She was worried about me eating and told me to finish off her meal. I told her I had some pretzels, so I was good.
I said my weekly rosary with Aunt Mary, I had an extra one so I gave it to her. Several times she looked at it in her hand and seemed surprised that she held it. But I could tell she knew we were going to pray, 'cause she folded her hands. As we (ok I) prayed, she fell asleep around the second decade. She looked very peaceful.
When she awoke, she was again very agitated and worried about me leaving her. We had a 30 minute conversation that was mostly gibberish on her side. I could occasionally pick out a word. But I sensed that she wanted me to ask the nurse if I could spend the night.
I asked if they would give her the anxiety medicine. She was soon feeling OK and even smiled and said OK when I told her I had to go. Her nurse promised to wait in the hall for a bit so she would be there if she became anxious or upset.
My day with Aunt Mary was such a blessing. A couple of times when she looked at me I saw Dad's face and expressions. But no one has her laugh. I got to hear that a couple of times. And see her sweet, sweet smile. Love you, Aunt Mary.
When I arrived, she seemed happy to see me, after I explained who I was. She definitely remembered Elmer! We had a great visit, looked at old pictures and talked about Dad and Uncle Yatz. And she napped.
When she woke from her nap, though, she became very agitated. She was worried about me leaving, and seemed very disoriented. He speech was markedly more slurred, and I also saw some facial drooping. I tried to calm her fears, without promising to spend the night. I also asked the nurse if she could have something for her anxiety.
Aunt Mary was hooked up to wires, and an IV, and was restrained in her bed so she wouldn't get up. She understood that we had to call the nurse for restroom time. And recognized when she had to go.
She ate very little supper, about 5 bytes of meat, a very small potato, and 2 bytes of applesauce. She was worried about me eating and told me to finish off her meal. I told her I had some pretzels, so I was good.
I said my weekly rosary with Aunt Mary, I had an extra one so I gave it to her. Several times she looked at it in her hand and seemed surprised that she held it. But I could tell she knew we were going to pray, 'cause she folded her hands. As we (ok I) prayed, she fell asleep around the second decade. She looked very peaceful.
When she awoke, she was again very agitated and worried about me leaving her. We had a 30 minute conversation that was mostly gibberish on her side. I could occasionally pick out a word. But I sensed that she wanted me to ask the nurse if I could spend the night.
I asked if they would give her the anxiety medicine. She was soon feeling OK and even smiled and said OK when I told her I had to go. Her nurse promised to wait in the hall for a bit so she would be there if she became anxious or upset.
My day with Aunt Mary was such a blessing. A couple of times when she looked at me I saw Dad's face and expressions. But no one has her laugh. I got to hear that a couple of times. And see her sweet, sweet smile. Love you, Aunt Mary.
Football
Saturday morning / afternoon is football time. Leah cheers at 11:30, Ty plays at 2:00. So even though the temp was predicted as 99 on Saturday, the game must be played.
Saturday the game was in Glen Este, way on the East side of town. We left late from Julie and Curts house, only to arrive 20 mins before game time. But, the 7 yr olds weren't even playing yet. So we waited, and waited in the hot shade, moving our chairs until we ran out of places in the shade.
Leah's coach secured the right for them to cheer in the end zone - a spot that was shady at first, but by the end of the game, only 2 girls were in the shade.
And then we waited for Ty's game. By this time we moved our chairs over to the home team's side, because they had all the shade, and we cheered as Ty's team won 26 - 6.
Poor Ty was done in by the heat. But he played OK, just very sweaty and hot.
I arrived home around 5:00, gritty with sweat and a layer of dust. I had survived the heat! I was so happy to be home.
Saturday the game was in Glen Este, way on the East side of town. We left late from Julie and Curts house, only to arrive 20 mins before game time. But, the 7 yr olds weren't even playing yet. So we waited, and waited in the hot shade, moving our chairs until we ran out of places in the shade.
Leah's coach secured the right for them to cheer in the end zone - a spot that was shady at first, but by the end of the game, only 2 girls were in the shade.
And then we waited for Ty's game. By this time we moved our chairs over to the home team's side, because they had all the shade, and we cheered as Ty's team won 26 - 6.
Poor Ty was done in by the heat. But he played OK, just very sweaty and hot.
I arrived home around 5:00, gritty with sweat and a layer of dust. I had survived the heat! I was so happy to be home.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
My Brushes With the Law
Today started out like any other when I work from home. It was quiet and uneventful. Until Joe came home from the post office with the mail. He handed me a small post card from the state of Ohio. My driver's license had expired at the end of July - on my birthday.
I was shocked. Hadn't I just got a speeding ticket with that expired license?
Normally I would just go get it renewed. But, with the shape of my eyes, I wasn't sure I would pass the eye test. My right eye - the strong one, is really bad.
So I called the doctor's office - 922----, thinking they could give me an opinion as to whether or not I would pass the eye test. When the call was answered I heard "Butler County 911" ! I apologized and explained I dialed wrong - I'm so sorry.
I redialed the doctor who said I should pass with both eyes. And I spoke to the BMV and they said I just had to see the big number with one eye, so I decided to chance the renewal.
Before I could leave the house I needed a shower. I was 1 step away from being in the water, when the dogs went crazy. Someone was at the door. I threw on my dress and went to see who it could be. Oh, just the POLICE! They were checking on me since there was a 911 hangup.
After he left, It finally hit me that I would have to get my picture taken - and it would last 4 years. This license renewal required full hair and makeup. Cr^p.
And so I showered, curled my hair, put on makeup, put on a top that would photograph well, and drove myself to the BMV. I barely passed the eye test, but I did. I now have a new license - with the best photo I have ever taken.
I was shocked. Hadn't I just got a speeding ticket with that expired license?
Normally I would just go get it renewed. But, with the shape of my eyes, I wasn't sure I would pass the eye test. My right eye - the strong one, is really bad.
So I called the doctor's office - 922----, thinking they could give me an opinion as to whether or not I would pass the eye test. When the call was answered I heard "Butler County 911" ! I apologized and explained I dialed wrong - I'm so sorry.
I redialed the doctor who said I should pass with both eyes. And I spoke to the BMV and they said I just had to see the big number with one eye, so I decided to chance the renewal.
Before I could leave the house I needed a shower. I was 1 step away from being in the water, when the dogs went crazy. Someone was at the door. I threw on my dress and went to see who it could be. Oh, just the POLICE! They were checking on me since there was a 911 hangup.
After he left, It finally hit me that I would have to get my picture taken - and it would last 4 years. This license renewal required full hair and makeup. Cr^p.
And so I showered, curled my hair, put on makeup, put on a top that would photograph well, and drove myself to the BMV. I barely passed the eye test, but I did. I now have a new license - with the best photo I have ever taken.
RIP Shirley Meurer
On Sunday I went to Shirley Meurer's wake. It was in Delhi - at the same funeral home that handled Dad's service. I was a little spooked about going because of that, and because I hadn't seen or talked to Shirley's kids in something like 40 years.
But, for Mom and Dad, I went. I stopped by the cemetery first to say hello to Dad and Mom, and to let them know Shirley was on the way. The cemetery was closed, so I yelled through the fence.
Then on to the funeral home. It was a step back into my past. Shirley and her family lived behind us when I was growing up. We spent many hours at their house. Dad and Mom were closer, though. Their friendship endured, kept alive by bridge games and dinners.
When I entered the funeral home I was greeted by Colleen, and Amy, two of her younger daughters. I spoke to Greg - the oldest, and Joe who is my age. And Kathy - who is a Bill's age. Everyone but Mary - I'm not sure she was there. I listened to many Shirley stories, her humor was well known, and learned she was known to many as St. Shirl.
After the family, I moved on to others. I walked up to a circle of white haired little ladies and introduced myself as Barb Perzel. OMG they were so happy to see me! Mothers of friends from Delhi Swim Club, and friends of my parents. They told me how much the miss Dad and Mom. I heard that I look like Mom, I also heard I look like Dad. And I heard I have Dad's laugh.
I saw most of the Hater family - Diane, Donna, and Mark. I saw Kathy Grote and Gayle Plogstead. I saw Mrs Hater, Mrs. Mathers, Mrs. Grote and so many more semi familiar faces.
I also learned Mr. Plogstead passed away 4 months ago.
And so - the circle of life has completed for Shirley. Please say hi to Dad and Mom for me.
But, for Mom and Dad, I went. I stopped by the cemetery first to say hello to Dad and Mom, and to let them know Shirley was on the way. The cemetery was closed, so I yelled through the fence.
Then on to the funeral home. It was a step back into my past. Shirley and her family lived behind us when I was growing up. We spent many hours at their house. Dad and Mom were closer, though. Their friendship endured, kept alive by bridge games and dinners.
When I entered the funeral home I was greeted by Colleen, and Amy, two of her younger daughters. I spoke to Greg - the oldest, and Joe who is my age. And Kathy - who is a Bill's age. Everyone but Mary - I'm not sure she was there. I listened to many Shirley stories, her humor was well known, and learned she was known to many as St. Shirl.
After the family, I moved on to others. I walked up to a circle of white haired little ladies and introduced myself as Barb Perzel. OMG they were so happy to see me! Mothers of friends from Delhi Swim Club, and friends of my parents. They told me how much the miss Dad and Mom. I heard that I look like Mom, I also heard I look like Dad. And I heard I have Dad's laugh.
I saw most of the Hater family - Diane, Donna, and Mark. I saw Kathy Grote and Gayle Plogstead. I saw Mrs Hater, Mrs. Mathers, Mrs. Grote and so many more semi familiar faces.
I also learned Mr. Plogstead passed away 4 months ago.
And so - the circle of life has completed for Shirley. Please say hi to Dad and Mom for me.