Making Lemonade
- By Barb Stahl
The Challenges of Making Lemonade Sweet
February is the month to declare love, so I will be appreciating people for whom I am thankful. I recently had a new dose of lemons given me in the form of a diagnosis of macular degeneration. Who did I think of first, second, etc….my family, my friends from book clubs, church, water-aerobics class, chorale, A-Team, neighbors. Notice a pattern? Family and friends from all directions. Those articles we keep reading in the magazines constantly reminding people to develop friendships are absolutely true!
How can I make lemonade out of that diagnosis? That is my challenge!
I must start by saying that at first I really didn’t want to talk about this news at all. I kept trying to process it. I knew I had to tell my family first, but how would I start? What would they think? It’s not hard to imagine the potential responsibilities they may face given this news. Fortunately, my son and daughter-in-law called and I spilled the news which broke the ice, and after our conversation I called my two daughters and their families immediately.
After those conversations I was able to tell friends and everyone’s reactions gave me the courage to keep talking about it. I began to feel somewhat comfortable talking about it and this “lemonade” article will show how important it was for me to discuss it. In fact, I was even able to laugh at some of their responses. The message became clear that people care.
One friend is an avid reader and she gave me several articles from newspapers, some of which were on medical topics. She knows I like in-depth things to read, enjoy learning about old or new books, and her selections were “spot-on.” She also frequently gives me “lemonade” ideas.
Another shared her experiences with her 92-year-old father and his macular degeneration progression which, thankfully, was slow. Only recently has he been stopped from driving. Here is a good place to mention what a stubborn independent cuss I can be. I know, that independence will have to be reconsidered when the time comes. I also know my family will deal properly, and firmly, with me!
A couple of friends made me smile by declaring how I could start considering choosing a puppy and a potential seeing-eye dog friendship. I love dogs, but my cat Tarzan doesn’t.
Others began giving me recipes that included salmon, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
Many have declared, “We’ll have your back,” or “When you need rides I’ll be there.” Most friends read my “Making Lemonade” articles, so I hope they will feel the appreciation and love I am trying to convey to them now.
I urge you, my readers, to be willing to share your problems with someone. As hard as it is, the reward is huge. Also, as a friend don’t hesitate to talk to someone who needs encouragement. True, not everyone wants this kind of help and I don’t have advice as to how to figure that out other than start slowly just by saying “I’m thinking about you.” I also urge you, my readers, to surround yourself with interesting and thought-provoking people! For now, and until I know more about this troubling diagnosis, I will mindfully begin storing visuals in my “eye bank” for whatever may be ahead.
