Poison oak? Poison ivy? Poison sumac? I don’t know what it was but it sure did itch! This is my hand over a period of two weeks. I also had it on my arm and leg but not as intensely. Finally, it’s feeling better.
Here is an update photo after four weeks. It’s almost completely healed. I’m thankful.
After suddenly experiencing significant floaters in my left eye June 11, I visited my ophthalmologist. He diagnosed me with posterior vitreous detachment, a fairly common problem among folks of a certain age especially if they are very nearsighted. The vitreous of the eye changes consistency and pulls away from the retina causing the floaters. Usually there is not problem but in the first weeks, there is an increased risk of retinal detachment. So after assuring me that within weeks (to months) the floaters would settle, he suggested that I return in a few weeks to be checked but to let him know if there I saw any bright lights or dark veils. The next week I started having bothersome blurriness in the same eye so I returned for a checkup. It turned out there were a few spots on my retina that were bleeding slightly so my ophthalmologist referred me for an immediate visit to a retina specialist who, after a thorough examination, performed laser surgery to seal those spots and “tack” the retina. I left with very blurry vision and a slight headache (both temporary from the procedure) reassured that my eye was doing well and I could expect full recovery. I have had one follow-up exam which showed no further signs of deterioration and am trying to be patient while hoping that the floaters and blurriness dissipate soon. I was certainly unfamiliar with this problem but have since come to know several others with similar experiences. So thankful for astute and able health care providers.
Finding myself paying attention to my paying attention now. It’s a little weird.
“Listen to your life. Be silent at some point at least once every day. Enter the inner sanctuary of silence within your soul. Be attentive to the Spirit of God who dwells within you and who will speak within you, sometimes even too deep for words.”
-Br. Curtis Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist, “Brother Give Us a Word Daily Messages,”
June 14, 2019
“To cultivate wisdom you need not read another book, nor watch another Ted talk, nor earn another academic degree, nor visit another monastery, nor travel to the ends of the earth. Be where you are, which is where God is with you. Say “yes” to life on the terms that God is giving you life just now; pay attention to your life (emphasis mine).”
-Br. Curtis Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist, “Brother Give Us a Word Daily Messages,” June 7, 2019
At the Alumnae/i Reunion of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and Randolph College, an alum of the Class of 1974, Kristin V. Rehder, presented her documentary exhibit, Where Hope Finds Home. She described how she came to know the folks presented in this “beloved community” in Lancaster, PA, refugees from 19 countries who are making a new home in the United States. Photographed in natural light, the gaze of her subjects extends beyond the photographer to the many witnesses of their lives–one of whom is now me. Articulate and inspirational, Kristin exemplified “attention to life” through the documentation of photographs with stories and the giving of friendship. It was an honor to attend her presentation and to know someone with such a heart for community both small and large.
(Please learn more about Kristin Rehder’s photography on her website, http://www.kvrehder.com.)
Before After
attentiontolife.com 