Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Eyes Have It

When I was talking to one of my team mates from Milwaukee, I was explaining the history of my eye doctor. As a child, I saw Dr. David Sifri, my eye doctor's father. Sitting in the waiting room brought back memories of sitting in those same chairs when I was 10 or 11 years old. Dr. David's son Mike, is my doctor now. He is dark skinned, with curly dark hair. He is tall, slim, muscular, and athletic. He has a tremendous energy you can feel. My friend says I have nothing wrong with my eyes!
So Tuesday night I received a call - my surgery was cancelled. The doctor had an emergency. As the week progressed, I discovered he has a bad back and it went out on him. He is having a procedure done, and needs 10 days to recover. My surgery now is scheduled for September 7th and September 14th. Right when I did not want it to be.
Laura Martin's wedding is September 10th. I bought a new dress, I have a hair appointment planned, and a mani-pedi. And now, I won't be able to wear eye makeup, and will only be able to see out of one eye. I think I am getting a lesson in humility.

Surgery Prep

Yesterday I was back at the eye doctor's office to get my eyes measured. The good news is that Dr. Sifri has worked on someone whose eyes are worse than mine. He says it will be a month or so after surgery before he will test my eyes again to see if I still need glasses. That gives the implanted lens time to settle into my eye.
Apparently I will be awake during the surgery - that lasts like 10 to 15 minutes. But I will be very high. If I'm nervous, I can take a xanax before the surgery.
Today I went to my regular doctor for the pre-op physical. I was in her office on Monday and somehow between Monday and Friday I lost 4 pounds. So now I'm ready - just waiting on Wednesday.

Eye Doctor Visit

Yesterday I went to the eye doctor. Dr. Sifri. The son of the Dr. Sifri that I went to as a child. I went to the same office, sat in the same chairs, and saw a younger, cuter version of the doctor of my youth.
Then this young cute doctor said I have cataracts. Isn't that something old people get? He said people with my extreme nearsightedness often develop cataracts. So, next week I have surgery on one of my eyes, and the following week the other.
I'm a little nervous.

Lauren's Bridal Shower

On Sunday we had a bridal shower for Lauren at deShas. It was mostly family - and a couple of Lauren's friends. I was looking forward to seeing my sisters. And of course - that was fabulous. Julie worked hard on Lauren's cake - wanting it to be perfect.
But what struck me the most was Aunt Birtie. We four Perzel sisters gravitated to her, circled around her like 4 little butterflys. Hungry for our Mother - and Aunt Birtie has a piece of her, the same familial DNA, the same cursive writing style, the same smile.
We missed you at the shower, Mom.

40 Bags For 40 days

Last year I had an ambitous Lenten project - to rid my home of 40 bags of stuff - 1 for each of the 40 days of Lent. This year I have been such a slacker - but prodded by my cousin Marianne Peck, I am challenging my family to jointly come up with 40 bags of stuff in 40 days.
This year I am beginning with my bedroom closet - which is exactly where I began last year! Round 2 should do it - I hope.
So - last weekend I filled 1 bag.
Here is the challenge - daughter and sons, cousins, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews - can we jointly come up with 40 bags of stuff to pitch or donate this Lent?

RIP Tom Kohl

Uncle Tom died last Monday morning March 14th. He had lots of health problems for many years, so for him there is relief, for his family - sadness. Here are some things I learned this week about my family this weekend. Uncle Tom received 4 purple hearts during WWII. He was a paratrooper in the South Pacific, accomplished 85 jumps.
Friday night the priest spoke of Tom's service, and encouraged us to perform 1 act of courage this weekend, as Tom displayed courage throughout his life. Aunt Louise met Uncle Tom in Japan, after the war. Apparently the government was looking for American workers to go overseas to Germany and Japan after the war. Aunt Louise lived in Japan for a year. She and Uncle Tom kept in touch after they both returned from overseas - he was from Pennsylvania. They were married 3 years later.
On a lighter note, I learned something about my cousin. My cousin Casey is the middle son, and we called called him Casey, and I spelled it mentally Casey. I asked him Friday night where the Casey came from. He said "my name - Kevin Charles". Oh, KC not Casey. Duh.
My cousin Johnny is also a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, as Uncle Tom was. He was asked to speak at the funeral Mass, about Uncle Tom. He did a fabulous job, and I complimented him at the lunch reception after the funeral. He said it was a total surprise, that Father asked him to do it right before the service. I told him he could certainly put a check in the act of courage box.
My cousins Andrea and Sharon were there, and we became part of a "cousins" family picture. It was fun, and just reinforces the family bond. I haven't seen my cousins Tommy, KC, and Johnny in many years - more than 10. But they are family, and it felt comfortable, and well wonderful. Family.
Rest In Peace Uncle Tom. You were married to Aunt Louise 61 years, left 3 good sons, and many grandchildren. You are well loved. It was time for you to go Home.