I was born with old eyes…

I was born with old eyes... cataracts by 5 years old and macular degeneration by 48.

I like to think that my old eyes are a reflection of my old soul. I like to think that my sight was less significant in this life than my vision in this world.

Most people don't know why we moved to Idaho when we did.

In 2018 I was diagnosed with macular degeneration. I knew something was off with my sight and I knew what it was. I went to my eye doctor of 20 years, a man who has become a dear friend, and he assured me that I could not possibly have MD. I was too young and healthy! I remember the look on his face when he confirmed my fears.

There was a short period of time when I felt afraid because I didn't know exactly what it would mean for me and how it would affect my daily life. I cried to my husband one night and in his typical Scott way he responded with, "Babe, when you go blind, where do you want to be?" (Now let's be clear, I wasn't anywhere near blind!) But I looked at him and said, "On my farm." And he said, "Then let's go."

Six months later we were on five acres in Idaho. Now, after treatments and regular check ups, my eyes are stable and my sight is still decent. As decent as it can be for someone who had cataract surgery on both eyes at the age of five. As decent as it can be for someone who has had a detached retina. As good as it can be for someone who was diagnosed with macular degeneration in her forties.

But my vision..my vision is 20/20. My vision of what healing looks like in this world is clear. Healing is seeking. Healing is experiencing. Healing is pushing. Healing is listening. Healing is practicing. Healing is simply doing the next right thing.

I am no longer afraid of losing my sight as long as I have my vision. And I am thankful every day to the people who help me manifest this vision!