I spent the afternoon getting my retina checked, there is some additional swelling in the left eye, but Dr. Falk, who I did not recognize in her Covid-19 gear, said it wasn’t a problem as it was well away from the retina itself.

I might need some laser surgery next year, maybe not.

I was surprised to see all of the changes in her office since the virus struck – the warning signs, the forbidden spouses and partners sitting in hallways and in their cars (like Maria.)

Everything about the office looked and felt different. Maria sat out in our car for two hours reading, I give thanks for her every day. I can’t drive for hours after my pupils get dilated.

It always feels strange. Covid separates and isolates us in order to save us. We will need to be patient for a while longer.

I’m excited about all the good vaccine news, I understand it will be months before most people even have a chance to take them. It will be fascinating to see the country come slowly but inevitably back to life.

It’s odd, but I’m earmarked for the first group, older and high-risk people. I have no problems taking a vaccine, but I’m uneasy

I’m glad my eye test went well. I have one more surgery to go, it’s scheduled for December 21, the week before Christmas. Then I think I’ll separate from the world of health care for a while.

I always swore I’d never define my life around my health, but this year, my health define me for much of the time. I’m lucky, I am better and healthier than before, one more to go.