Beyond Words

I am beyond words. For a writer and a teacher, that’s a strange place to be. I started writing a blow-by-blow description of my retinology appointment today, but I can’t. Just know that at the time it was happening, I managed to make it to the elevator before completely falling apart.

Dr. Lin is beside herself with joy.

My vision with my new glasses is 20/25!

There is no inflammation. Not just NEW inflammation. There is NO INFLAMMATION. This is the first time in almost three years that I can say that. There is scar tissue, but that is all.

This is the best possible news I could have hoped to receive after being handed the diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia. It has been a brutally hard period of my life, but while I will likely be on immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of my life, I have much for which I am profoundly grateful …

I have been blessed with people who love me. Who dance with me, laugh and cry with me, box with me, hang out with me. And inspire me every day.

I have beloved friends, near and far, who gave of the themselves when I couldn’t drive to make sure I would be able to continue boxing and tai chi, who kept track of me and looked out for me.

I have two sons who have patiently ferried me thither and yon, and then waited for me there.

I have been given the gift of sight when I was so afraid I would go blind.