November is here!

“November’s beauty lies in the quiet moments of reflection and gratitude.” — Unknown.

How has my health been faring since May by visiting the Eye Clinic, Waikato Hospital and other issues? Some days have been worse than good, but it’s been a fascinating learning process to adapt to the health challenges around work, driving, reading, typing, seeing someone a bit far away, watching captioning on the television, and so on. I couldn’t have done it without your support.

For instance, I’ve found that wearing sunglasses while driving helps to reduce the sensitivity in my eyes caused by bright sunlight. In meetings, I strategically position myself away from bright lights and windows to make it easier to watch interpreters. These are just a few of the strategies I’ve developed to cope with my changing vision.

I have special glasses for reading but only for short-sighted readers, such as a Kindle device or a small print newspaper. The computer screen glare makes it more difficult for me to see what I am typing or reading. I can not wear short-sighted glasses because they do not help and give me double-vision of reading, like double lines or blurring. I can increase font size and screen size, but it is not always perfect due to the bright screen in the white background.

When I watch television, I do not use it to read captions now because they are too far away and have very small fonts. When I am walking in the street or the supermarket, around 2 metres, if someone comes to say hello or reads the signs at the top of each aisle, I feel a bit awkward. At least I come close to the person or to read the signs. When I am having a conversation with my partner apart, it can be challenging to lip-read him. We stand close, not too close. I can lip-read him or someone else.

I have been weeding the garden and vegetable gardens, and I realised that I can not do it in the sunshine, where the sun is too bright. Bugger, there does another problem, and it is impossible to wear sunglasses without a strap around the head. I should do it on a cloudy day, which is good and making easier.

As I navigate these challenges, I’m reminded of the support and strength I receive from those around me. It’s a journey I don’t take alone, and for that, I’m truly grateful.

The next step is another eye clinic visit at the end of this month, and I have a list of positive and negative things based on what I have done. The eye drops I take regularly every night are more or less helpful. I have several requests for technology devices accessible and long-sight or bi-fold glasses, depending on the costs and the funding available.

I mentioned gardening, and looking at it, it has been nearly ten years since we moved here. Here are a couple of videos showing the work in progress on weeding since last Autumn. It’s not bad for the amount of nasty buttercup weeds.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9