My Father

by Sharon
(New Jersey)

About ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with

macular degeneration. He had lost part of his sight in one eye.


Although he had other health concerns, we had no fears of his ability to get around on his own until this diagnosis was given.


The macular degeneration affected not only his ability to drive, but also made him more likely to trip over or bump into things that were located in his blind spot.


Initially he fought the family quite a bit about not driving. We would often find that he had snuck out of the house to drive somewhere.


He would try to convince the grandkids to come with him. Eventually after two minor accidents, he started to realize that driving was not safe.


He hasn’t given it up completely, but he is more willing to let someone else drive.


Overall this condition put a strain on his relationship with his children and his wife. My mother has ended up being a caregiver.


She often finds herself unable to travel because she is tied to the house and caring for him.


Although not life threatening, it has changed the quality of life for both my mother and my father.

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