My Bout With Glaucoma

It's been almost two decades now since I was diagnosed with Glaucoma. It's one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It's a disease which increases pressure in the eye. Shedding tears is one way to release pressure. Sadly, I'm not one of those blessed with the ability to cry. When you fail to shed tears, it hardens and this causes blockages in the veins. There are times in the morning when I can feel the hardness in my eyes.

I could have them operated on but my present medication has managed to keep my pressure in check. I had corrective laser surgery a decade ago. I was one of the first who had it when it was introduced here in the Philippines. I had progressive myopia since childhood and it was a welcome procedure for me. Just imagine the comfort of not wearing thick glasses or hard contact lenses (I'm allergic to soft lens solution).

My medicine cost is steadily increasing and it is taking a big chunk in our budget. Sunlight is a big no-no for me so I have to shy away from trips to the beach which my kids love. I have difficulty driving at night and must have somebody with me at all times. I suppose my sight will be gone in a few years and I am glad that I have lived my life the way I wanted to. I'm happy too that I have a very loving family who helps me cope with my condition.

I guess I really should consider the operation my doctor have been suggesting if I want to see my kids grow up and also see my future grandchildren. I'm still thinking about it and to be honest, I'm a bit afraid to undergo such a procedure. I don't like the idea of a tube stuck in my eye forever. But I guess I have no choice. I don't want to be a burden to anyone and would like to continue leading a normal life. Only time can tell but I hope it's not too late when I finally decide.

It's Alright To Say Sorry

Pride does get in the way of relationships. Most often than not, we become victims of senseless reasoning that may even lead to heartaches. I am a proud person but I know when I'm wrong. I only stand my ground when I know I am right and would accept "defeat" when I know I'm at fault. The secret really is to ditch that foolish pride and keep a more flexible and open mind.

Filipino culture is by and large patriarchal in nature and even if women have more rights now, tradition and norms are hard to change. It is now up to the men to make the adjustments. The perfect and easiest way is for us, men to get in touch with our feminine side. It's quite a daunting task at first but we have to realize that trying to feel what your wife feels is not a sign of weakness but one of love and respect.

So the next time an argument arises, take a step back and put yourself in your partner's shoes. Women have more responsibilities than men and this can lead to some shortcomings that husbands have to be patient with. Saying sorry isn't hard, it doesn't diminish your self esteem either. You don't want to end up being a jerk, do you?

Secret To A Happy Life

I live my life to the fullest but it doesn't mean that it is one of extravagance. It has been my tenet to look at what I have that others don't. Simplicity breeds contentment which leads to happiness. I have always preached about social concern and responsibility to my kids and even to those I have come across in life. At a time when many suffer among us, anything excessive is simply criminal

It's nice to have everything you want but will it make you really happy? My wife and I do not earn much but we have managed to see to it that our children are not left wanting. We share whatever we have to those who have less in life. I am thankful that despite the harshness of life, we can still eat three times a day while many do not even know when their next meal will be.

My secret therefore to a happy life is to be simple. Let us not look up but rather down. There are more who have less than we do. By doing so, we can be thankful with whatever we have. So the next time you feel the "pinch" of life, think not of what you don't have but what those around you do not. Then and only then, will you feel how fortunate you really are.

Lovski's Birthday!

I'm not sure if my wife would approve of this. Anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Liza.