This post isn’t about what I thought to write about today, but rather, something that has come up. It’s about reading, yes. But then again it’s about not reading. Not being able to read.
Every once in a while my vision goes wonky. It happened today and I’ve been having a hard time seeing my screen. Last night before bed I was squinting at my book. Today I’m seeing double – one image is above and to the right of the actual image. It’s very hard on the eyes.
I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t see to write, or to read. I know I wrote about losing one of my senses before (can’t think of the title of the post right now, but it was about losing either your sight or your hearing- which would you choose if you had to?) and at the time I said I didn’t know. Then again, I was sitting at the table with John this morning and he could hear a song playing in the other room and was able to name it – I couldn’t even hear a sound, let alone a recognizable song. So I suppose I’m losing both. I may not get to choose.
The things we take for granted – our senses if we were born with them being the most obvious. I sit here at the kitchen table looking out at the deck I plan to stain this summer and I wonder if I’ll always be able to see it. I wonder if we forget what colour is like when we go blind, or if we just assign another sense to it. I can imagine green would be warm to me, even though it’s not considered a warm colour (I don’t think). It represents summer, after all.
There are men outside chopping up the tree that fell in December. I can see them through the slats of the fence. It’s cold out today, so I imagine their work is comfortable.
Maybe I’ll stain the deck bright red. There goes a chainsaw – there goes my thought process.
I’m posting this without reading. I hope it makes sense.
This post is part of SoCS: https://lindaghill.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-1414/
June 20, 2014 at 2:39 pm
I’m glad you feel your focus returning. I’ve begun using reading glasses, but suspect that something stronger is in my not-too-distant future. It’s making me more appreciative of the years of sharp senses. I’d like to think that I’ve paid close enough attention to be able to replicate them in writing, even if they were gone.
It’s interesting to see where your mind went with this one – the view through the fence, the color of the deck, things unheard…I felt that I was right there with you.
LikeLike
June 16, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Interesting thoughts Linda. I too have often had those scary thoughts about what would happen if I couldn’t see as I have lots of trouble with my vision. It is so easy to take things for granted when we are just used to having them. Let us look after ourselves and count our blessings. 🙂
LikeLike
June 19, 2014 at 12:42 pm
Looking after ourselves, yes. I always seem to come last. *sigh* I’m trying though. Thanks D.G. 🙂
LikeLike
June 19, 2014 at 8:10 pm
You’re doing great LInda! 🙂
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 9:49 pm
This is something I’ve thought about as well and here I thought I was the only one… :)I’ve read accounts of people who have lost their sight or hearing, and apparently when you lose one sense, the others are heightened. One woman could differentiate the sound of rain on pavement compared to rain falling on grass. I think in some ways, colors or sounds would become more vivid and pronounced, depending on the loss. But my senses are definitely something I am thankful for as a writer! 😀
LikeLike
June 16, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Me too! I couldn’t imagine what it would be like trying to write in braille. I have a hard enough time as it is!
I have a Deaf son, and I can tell you, his observational skills are waaay above mine… unless he’s looking for the tv remote, then it’s the same as any of ’em … ask mom. 😛
LikeLike
June 16, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Learning to write and read in braille would definitely be a challenge, especially if you’re so used to having those senses. With those observational skills, maybe he’ll be a writer too- sounds perceptive! 🙂 Hope the trouble focusing goes away and gets better!
LikeLike
June 19, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Thanks! I’m finally not squinting at everything today, so I think I’m getting my focus back slowly. 🙂
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 4:13 pm
Good post Linda, but sad that you have these problems. Maybe you should get checked your blood pressure, this can give same problems. I tried that myself, went to the doctor and were checked for a lot and he found out, that this was the problem for me.
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 10:17 pm
I’ve had low blood pressure all my life, but it has been a while since it was checked. I’ll do that as soon as I get my new doctor. Thanks for pointing that out. 🙂
LikeLike
June 16, 2014 at 12:24 am
You are welcome, I hope you will find the needed help soon, it isn’t nice to feel like that.
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 4:01 am
Thought-provoking, Linda. Yes we do take our five senses for granted and every now and then (usually after something we’ve read or viewing a documentary) we’re brought home abruptly, and actually imagine losing one or more. And sight seems to me the most precious of all. But others may beg to differ. It’s probably all about perspective and stoicism. (Sorry to get all deep!)
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 9:58 pm
That’s okay, Lee-Anne! I love it when people let me know I’ve made them think – the deeper the better!
I think when we come down to it, we can survive anything. But who wants to try? Not I.
LikeLike
Pingback: Stream of Consciousness Saturday: Whatcha Readin’? | shanjeniah
June 14, 2014 at 8:28 pm
I’ve had my eyes tested and re-tested. My glasses prescription has been changed and now my eyes are ‘playing up’ again. I do feel your pain Linda. Just now as I am reading this, I am having to adjust my glasses to find the sweet spot for reading.
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Admittedly, I haven’t had my eyes tested in over 5 years. I know I’m due – I just lack the time to do it. 😛
Sorry you’re going through it too! It sucks!
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 4:33 pm
There are audio books 🙂
But, this sort of thing happens to The Mister from time to time. Really freaks him out. Of course, he had his eyes examined, and nothing was found, but I hardly think he’s making it up. Sometimes, I think it’s just strain. Very sorry for you.
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Thanks Joey. It probably is strain. I need sunglasses, so I’m sure it doesn’t help to go out on sunny days with all those UVs out there.
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 12:49 pm
When I read this, that’s exactly what I thought of…your SoCS about the senses. If I couldn’t read I’d go bonkers. It’s the one thing (besides my husband and coffee. Yes, in that order!) that I really wouldn’t want to give up! Scary thought!
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Ah well, I’ve only got two things to have to worry about giving up – unless you count the wine. 😛
P.S. I couldn’t live without coffee!!!
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 12:15 pm
I hope you regain your focus.
LikeLike
June 14, 2014 at 9:44 pm
Thanks Doobster. It’s better now. Probably psychological, knowing I’m soon going to have the kids at home 24/7. 😛
LikeLike