MARCH is here.
Where did the first quarter of 2023 go?
Of course, there was Dinagyang.
There was Valentine’s Day.
There was even EDSA Revolution anniversary.
But seriously, is it really March already?
***
The frame of my new eyeglasses acquired in the week of the New Year broke.
I wish I could say I broke it.
But I truly didn’t.
Just found it broken after a trip to the bathroom.
I was dining with friends, left it on the table, and when I picked it up again, it was broken at the bridge.
Nobody could explain it.
***
I called a friend.
Like Dr. Jere Ledesma Cejar.
Remember I told you that he does eye care very well?
Likely with at least 30 years experience.
Well, he has left his clinic at the Amigo Plaza, and moved it to JML Building on Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro.
In the vicinities of the Graciano Lopez Jaena Shrine, between Fajardo and Simon Ledesma streets.
***
Jere has been working on a new pair of glasses for me.
Some new technology.
Something that’s sensitive to gadgets and computers—smart phones, tablets and iPads, laptops, et cetera.
When the glasses arrived, it came with a card.
I don’t know what the words mean, but it works as an ID.
***
If you care for details, it says DSPAL 1.5 Nikon Soltes Wide Neo Add 1.0 Clear.
With Crizal Sapphire HR UV Builtin coating.
It’s rimless, and it’s bi.
Bi to mean bifocal. Haha.
Like I don’t have to take it off to read what I hold in my hands.
***
I’m nearsighted, if I forgot to give that detail.
I can read, no problem; but to see things at a distance, I need glasses.
And I don’t like wearing glasses when I’m reading books, or texting, or when I’m with friends.
***
When in a restaurant with friends for example, I take my eyeglasses off, lay it on the table.
I like watching the faces of my friends.
I like taking photos of their smiles.
Even photos of our food.
***
The constant taking on and off often messes the fit of my glasses.
Increases the risk of loss.
Thank God, I’m not that forgetful yet!
But yeah, it can be stressful.
***
Anyway, I like the new glasses very much.
I am still adjusting to it.
Like I have to remind myself that I don’t have to take it off anymore to read and reply to text messages.
It’s like having new eyes.
And pretty beautiful new eyes at that.
***
But I also like my last pair.
My other friend suggested I could have it glued.
I may have difficulty finding exactly the same brand, let alone same shape of the frame.
I don’t like the stress of cutting the lens et cetera.
So I really might end up with careful gluing.
***
Some people will end up lucky with wonderful eyesight until they die.
Some will not be so lucky.
I’ve always had a slight problem with my sight.
I’m nearsighted!
But nothing yet to require surgery or something.
***
I’m just lucky that my sight problems— if they are problems at all and not normal processes of degeneration, are easily fixed by eyewear.
But luckiest of all I am perhaps to have a friend like Jere.
Who kinda likes dressing me up a little bit with fashionable eyewear.
***
Do I care what frames I’ll get for my glasses?
No. My friends are in charge of that.
I usually bring a friend to help me choose frames.
But also, mostly, I rely on what the shop attendants recommend.
So, when I have a friend like Jere, who cares as much for fashion as for the health of my eyes, I am just grateful.
***
I am always grateful for my beautiful eyes to see this wonderful world.
Don’t let your sight suffer.
See my friend Jere if you have some eye issues.
I mean, this is a great wonderful world.
See it well!/PN
