So Underplayed

Regular visitors over the years will be aware that I've had a difficult relationship with my Dad over the past thirty years or so, before that I couldn't have asked for a better parent. One of the strangest aspects of our relationship is that he has never called me by my name, he's always referred to me as 'son' which whilst technically correct doesn't inspire much emotion.

Anyway yesterday was his birthday and I telephoned him to wish him a happy birthday and ask how he was. He picked up the phone and said "Hello son," to which I replied, "How are you?" He said he was fine, had some trouble with his right knee and then, as if simply passing the time of day, said, "I've gone blind in my left eye." It was bizarre, no lead-in, no build-up just simply understated.

He then explained that he was reading on Tuesday night when suddenly he saw stars in his left eye and then nothing. After a visit to the local hospital and a meeting with a specialist it transpires that this isn't unusual, the blood vessels to the retina do actually die and you lose your sight. Tests have been carried out and will be carried out on the other eye, apparently the doctors aren't sure if it could be linked to a problem with his kidneys. This has freaked me out and I've spent a lot of the time today working on a blog post for tomorrow to keep my mind off things, that and editing photos of my Germany trip.

My Great Grandfather on my Dad's side went blind, my Grandad only had one kidney, I have had kidney problems and diabetes and have virtually no sight in my right eye as a result of a childhood accident - although to look at me you wouldn't know it and now this!

He sounded so calm, even made a joke about driving the car and not been able to see my Mum when she was sat next to him! I can't even begin to think how he must have felt.

Blimey.