Hi,
Despite the fires all over central Oregon, we managed to make it to and from Portland without undue delay or incident. The smoke was terrible though.
We've all been enjoying Sherry's visit and taking time to remember 'the old days'. Sherry brought Doug's photograph album so I could copy some of his photos (which I don't have); we did that today.
Doogie and I have been plagued with a sore throat, runny noses and sinus problems since returning from Utah. We're both on medication and slowly feeling better.
The news about Doogie's eyes: we're grateful that he could see out of his left eye for seven years and out of his right eye for eight. Though both retina repairs were successful, scar tissue and random eye vessels have made restoration of his vision impossible. We have done all that we could, the doctors were top-notch and, yet, Doogie is blind. His vision is practically nil (he sees black/gray blobs against light) and can not longer be improved upon by lenses/contacts.
The doctors recommendation: blind school and a white-tipped cane. We can also hope and pray the technology to help Doogie see is developed soon . . . they are already doing 'trials' in Southern California on an artificial lense. However, it's not yet allowed to be 'tested' on children and is still in the early stages of refinement.
So~we will be seeing the local school authorities to see if they can meet Doogie's educational needs. If not, we may need to relocate so he can be near an appropriate school.
Arrangements are already in the works for an O & M test (for a cane) once school begins.
The doctors Doogie has been seeing are the best in Oregon. However, we're open to all options and haven't given up hope that someday his vision may be restored.
Doogie is aware that this 'state of vision' is permanent, has accepted it and is playing normally. He trusts that 'if and when' restoration does become possible, that we'll get him 'in' ASAP. Until then, he's okay :)! Wish Al, Sherry and I were as accepting :)! We asked Sherry NOT to cry in front of Doogie but to be as strong as he needs us to be; we don't cry in front of him either.
Hope, faith and the knowledge that sometimes we have to accept those things that we truly don't wish to, sustain me . . . as well as your support and friendship.
Doogie is healthy though he is blind . . . for that we are thankful. I am healthy though I am deaf and for that, too, we are thankful. Al is healthy and helps us preserver and we, again, appreciate that.
At this moment, I can't bring a smile . . . but this moment will pass. They all do.
Thanks for listening, caring and being my friends.
Love always,
Sandy