My mother-in-law is having cataract surgery tomorrow, and she has kept me informed about the procedure and plans. Since we moved to Utah almost two years ago, we haven’t been able to see Dick’s mom and sister and our nieces, and I miss them. (And my brother-in-law and nephew. Grampa we have seen, and wasn’t that wonderful.) We are planning a trip this fall that will include Disneyworld, a place I love with a love so pure and fair it is embarrassing in a grown woman, but in the meantime we rely on the internet to keep us connected.
So last week Marian wrote me, wishing me a happy anniversary (11 years!) and telling me about her surgery tomorrow. She wrote that cataracts occur with the aging process and that UV/sun damage also plays a part, and that she has “had plenty of bright sunshine over the years.”
I don’t really have anything to add to that. I can’t say it any better, except to say that, as I turn thirty-two, I have had much bright sunshine over the years, and my wish is that by the time I have five beautiful grandchildren of my own, I, too will say that I have had plenty of bright sunshine over the years, even if I am having cataract surgery because of it.
(And good luck, Nana! We’ll be praying for you!)
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This is so sweet. I hope Nana does well, although I’m sure she will. My MIL also had this surgery with amazing results. So jealous of your Disney trip since we have started saving for ours this past week. (The official “Disney jar of change” has been instituted). It is also my favorite place on Earth and I don’t care what people say about commercialism, money, sophistication, etc.
Jane Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I’m so excited to take my girls now that they are a bit older (and all potty-trained! –(Do I mention that too often?
))
We are saving like mad, and also Dick’s flight is paid for by a business thing, and Nana is helping us too. I can’t wait!!!!
That line really does say it all. She must be a fabulous woman.
I, too, wish you and your family lots of sunshine!
My husband had cataract surgery on both eyes, and sees better now than he ever did. I’m only 2 years younger than he is, but have no signs of them yet. I have, however, worn polarized sunglasses since I was a teenager. I think that made the difference.
Enjoy the sunshine, but get in the habit, and train your children, to wear sunglasses outdoors. Pay attention to the eye specialists! Everyone has heard the warnings about UV skin damage, but many of us don’t realize that it can damage our eyes as well.
Jane Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Good points. I am fanatical about the sunscreen, but you’re right, we don’t always think about our eyes. Nana is in her 60s, so I imagine they didn’t know as much when she was younger.
I got polarized prescription sunglasses before we moved to Cairo, and I still wear them all the time. They make everything look rosier, and they are very, very comfortable (to my eyes, I mean; they still pain my nose
)
Didn’t anyone catch that part about… “as I turn 32″ ?
Today is Jane’s birthday. Hope it’s a happy one!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Jane Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Thank you! (And pat yourself on the back for catching it! Some of my closest peeps – ahem – didn’t
)