A Man Of Vision

Gerald Walsh is a well spoken six foot tall gentleman, with a full head of hair and a great sense of humour. Now that he has celebrated his 99th birthday, the countdown toward his three digit birthday has begun. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, he holds a Bachelors Degree in Science and a Postgraduate Degree in Architectural Landscaping. He and Ruth, his wife of many years, kept a lush vegetable garden, and when he was asked whether it was organic he replied, "Yes, I always grew organic, I never could afford the fertilizer". There are many stories about Gerald, but the one I am sharing is my most favourite. 

Ruth at age 93 and three years younger than him, rapidly declined into dementia and the continual caregiving took a toll on his health. He was hospitalized after having had a mild heart attack and Ruth was placed in a nearby care home. There had never been a need for doctors nor hospital visits in the past and because of that, the doctors gave him a thorough check over. In the process they examined his eyes, one of which had been blind since birth. He had spent his life with only one functioning eye that served him well; he was a prolific reader and needed no corrective glasses. Not knowing the history of the eye, the doctor suggested they remove the cataract. Now after 96 years of monocular vision, he finally has the use of both eyes. He still reads prolifically, and still without glasses.