By ALICE BRANDAU
How do I begin? It’s 6 a.m. I’ve been awake since 4 a.m., trying to find words for you readers who have enjoyed “South Ridge News” for the past 55 or so years. A tear slides down my cheek. Writing this news column has been such a significant part of my life. It was my identity in this world.
I have dealt with macular degeneration for a number of years, losing reading ability with my left eye and hoping the right eye would be saved with injections.
On Monday, Nov. 6, my sister Joan took me to my scheduled eye appointment. “Sweet” Angie called me from the waiting room to check my eye pressure and to have me read the chart of letters. I knew it was not good. It was significantly worse than the month before. I received the eye injection, and an order was made to get a new picture to see what was happening. It showed problems. My doctor indicated there are other types of injections. We’ll see.
I have been struggling a great deal with the column the past weeks, finding more frustration than joy. Good eyesight helps your writing. Many corrections are made, and often it is necessary to use my handheld enlarger to identify the computer symbols needed to email.
My daughter tells me not to give up. Perhaps I’ll find a new way to enjoy writing again. I will miss the weekly visits with my neighbors, who furnished me with much of “South Ridge News.”
I would ask you to keep me in your prayers as I say goodbye for now.
And that’s it for Nov. 14, 2017.
