Because I am so absolutely certain that readers are sitting on the edges of their chairs wondering about the trials of a 62 yr old-somewhat retired-baby boomer hippie type with wet macular degeneration getting her friggin drivers license renewed:
Today was the final chosen day to renew. I really couldn’t wait any longer without feeling somewhat silly. It went this way:
This really nice lady took the medical form from my rentinal specialist which stated that my vision was ABnormal because I have been blessed with macular degeneration. I watched her lips move as she read the completed form. I heard her whisper ‘macular degeneration’. She looked at me and back at the form. She took the form to another really nice lady. They talked amongst themselves.
The outcome is that I have a 90 day temporary license. I have to take the driving test to show that I’ve compensated for the poor vision in my left eye. So I do that on April 7 and then all will be approved.
I’m going to take a driving course. I want to prepare. I was so worried about the written test 😛 I didn’t even have to take it!! We have the extra income from watching toddlers now and then in retirement. I’m going to use some of that extra money to take a refresher driving course. I’ll feel better on April 7. I’ll feel prepared. I mean we’ve all driven for years. I know this. But I don’t know about some of you but…I’m a safe driver but…I’d better take the course just to be sure I’m following ‘proper procedure, sir!’
So yea! Ever since I was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration – 8 years ago in my mid 50’s – I’ve been dreading this day. So looks like I’ve wasted – altogether since I was diagnosed – at least a good 90 days worrying about this now and then. Hmmmm….
I’m feeling happy. I’m feeling joy. I’m thinking this day in my life ended up as it should have but much better than I expected. It’s difficult to deal with a chronic illness over which you have little control. It’s difficult to be chipper, chin up and all that. It’s difficult…but it’s not friggin impossible!!
And how sweet you were today changing our 20 mile trip so that we didn’t, after all, have to go on the freeway. Yeah…I have these emotional issues and today set them free for a few hours.
Ellespeth ♥
Views From A Poet 