Seeing things in a different light.....

Last month i started seeing a flashing light in my right eye - it reminded me of one of those decorative spinners you hang on your porch to spin in the wind.  A visit to my eye doctor explained this can be a normal part of aging and should fade away in a few weeks.  However, a closer exam showed spots at the back of my eye that he'd never seen before.  Since then i've had a whirlwind of visits to a retina specialist, lots of eye scans and have been died yellow twice for angiograms.  In between all of these visits, i've had a lot of time to reflect on how bravely several of my friends have handled their loss of eyesight over the years.  If i hadn't experienced their transition and witnessed them move forward with successful careers and raising children, i'm not sure how i would have handled the fear of going blind.  
As it turns out, my vision problems are improving and i should have a full recovery; for this i am thankful.  But i'm more thankfull for my friends and their support.  It's hard not to fear the unknown; it's hard not to let your self have moments of panic, or pity.  i've faced mobility limitations, every day i deal with the problems of being a short person in a world that's getting taller.... but facing the loss of vision was scarier.  So, thanks to all my friends who traveled that road and gave me strength.