Cataracts
Means waterfall
Shadowy, opaqueness, cloudy
An artist worst enemy
Foggy
Eyesight
Precious sense
Appreciating, enlightening, illuminating
Clearing cataracts’ opaque veil
Priceless
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The word “Cataract” derives from the Latin “cataracta” meaning “waterfall”.
My 90+ yr. mom, who is an artist and lives totally independent, had her first cataract surgery this week. While waiting for the ophthalmologist to complete the procedure in the worst eye, I started thinking … what exactly could she see with cataracts?
After researching a little, I am astounded she managed to thrive these past few years with cataracts in each eye, as well as amazed she has continued to paint and drive short distances without missing a beat. She recently won a ribbon for her artwork; her work hung in the local art gallery as “Artist of the Month” in April 2011.
To me, it resembles looking through “Vaseline®” (petroleum jelly)!
© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011
"On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea" 
Since I am a visual learner, I am doubly grateful for eyesight. Your poem stopped us to give thanks for the gift of vision. Thanks. I did not know cataract meant waterfall. Incredible.
Iris
http://irisinbloom.wordpress.com
http://poetpost.wordpress.com
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Iris – I am also a visual hands-on learner … I give thanks as well. Happy you visited and left comment and feedback. 🙂
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I’m not yet sure what “waterfalls” means in this context, but for some reason I still know it fits well here. I’ll have to think about it 🙂
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Paul, cataract derives from the Latin cataracta meaning “waterfall” … I have added it to the post as an edit.
I appreciate your feedback and comments. 😉
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Wow. For someone who has never had cataracts, you have really given me a new experience, “opened my eyes,” so to speak.
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Fortunately I don’t have them either — this has opened my eyes as well! Thank you for visiting!
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I hope your mom’s surgery went well. This poem and your photos really hit home how grateful we should be for our eyesight. Thank you! xx
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Yes, it did, thank you! The right eye is scheduled for next week!
This event has prompted a renewed appreciation for our eyesight! 🙂
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Becca, so nice, yet again. Simple and powerful all at one.
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Thank you, Emily Jane! I appreciate your comments and feedback!! 🙂
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cataracts can be really frustrating. hope your mom is completely healed now.
loved the poem.
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Left eye is healing – and the right eye is scheduled to undergo revision next week – if all continues as well with the left. Thank you, trisha!!
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It’s always amazing what people can deal with and not always realize it until it is corrected! I remember when I first got glasses in third grade and was amazed that I could see individual leaves on the trees and not just a green blur! I thought everyone saw what I did. Hope your mom continues to do well make art.
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Agreed — and also, thank you! Always happy when you stop by! 😉
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I can only imagine how hard must have been. I was reading and also remembering all the artists facing sensorial problems… I hope your mum improves very fast.
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I knew eyesight was diminished – but it wasn’t until I viewed “behind a cataract” did I have a better appreciation …
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Hooray for you mum and may she inspire for many years to come!
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Thank you ~~ I appreciate the sentiment! 😀
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bless your mom.
Happy Mothers day, what a divine tribe.
you rock.
🙂
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Jingle – it is always a pleasure when you visit. Thank you for letting me know you stopped by! 😉
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What a powerful post! As soon as I read the first word, my thoughts immediately split into waterfalls and eyesight..wondering. As I read each word and written image that followed, I realized you were able to capture my thoughts before they were born. Nicely done that! 🙂
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OMG – John, I do not even know how to comment to your feedback … except for a simple “thank you” for your support and encouragement!
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Hi Becca,
Wow! I love what you have done here. The way the words flow with the picture is enlightening. I had not thought of cataracts in that way before.
Cheers,
Shanae
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Shanae – thank you for leaving a comment. I almost didn’t post this … but my muse kept nudging me … now I am happy to bring an increased awareness to this condition … it impresses upon me the preciousness of sight and the obstacles it presents to those who have cataracts!
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My sister just underwent two cataract operations. I sent her a link to your blog – then looked in my Inbox to find she’d sent a description of all she’s been missing. Thanks for giving me an understanding that I didn’t have before. And I fuss over dirty glasses!!
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I didn’t realize the severity of it until I started investigating … it is amazing!! Thank you for visiting and thinking enough of it to forward to your sister! Here’s to her new improved world of wonder and sight!! Bravo!!
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what a perfect image for cataracts – clouded by falling water, and good timing too. Tonight on the news they reported a new use for a cancer drug that when injected into the eye, cures macular degeneration 100% – something they couldn’t do before. Cataracts can be cured by replacement, but maybe one day, that won’t be necessary either.
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Thank you for the information you heard on the news … I will pass to friends suffering from MD! Appreciate your visit! 🙂
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