Stephanie,

 

Thank you very much for sharing this with me. My wife, Marilee, is a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) and has worked with clients with the condition diagnosed by Doctor Knots. I suspected that Shirley had some macular degeneration when I visited the last two times. Shirley mentioned that she was having difficulty seeing me when she looked directly at me but could see a bit better if she looked off to one side.

During my most recent visit, I figured that she wasn't seeing very well at all when she *didn't* tell me to get a haircut !!! I was looking rather shaggy and she missed her opportunity to "correct" me as likes to do regarding any number of clothing or grooming "infractions." I say "missed her opportunity" because the next time I visit (in a couple of months or so), I'll have my summer buzz cut.
There won't be enough hair to fuss over.

Marilee can appreciate the doctor's notes regarding Shirley's condition with quite a bit more understanding than myself. As a VRT, she thinks in terms of what might help Shirley use the vision she has remaining to her best advantage. (But given Shirley's overriding condition, the consideration may be more academic than practical.)

Marilee's mother lives in our town and fell during her dance exercise class yesterday. The result of the fall was a broken pelvis. I spent most of yesterday evening taking Marilee to visit her mother in the hospital, going to her mother's apartment to take care of the cat and ensuring the apartment was prepared for the storms which were forecast and immediately bearing down on the area. This morning we got word that Marilee's mother will require several weeks in a nursing home/rehab center and then may come to live with us for a short time.  Absent from her treatment plan was the word "surgery." (Very comforting.) I mention Marilee's mother because caring for aging parents is something that has surprised us both. And now both moms.

Thank you for all that you and your helpers at "the manor" do for Shirley. And me too. You are keeping me informed and I want you to know that is important to me.

 

Very respectfully,
Ed Kenlon
Fredericksburg, VA