Although I didn’t think about it at the time, in retrospect when I was young I knew that I would change a lot before I became an adult. It is only now that I realize that back then I thought that is where the transformation would end. Once I hit my 20s whoever I was would be me for the rest of my life. Not so much physically, I had certainly seen my parents and grandparents age, although I will admit it was so gradual that I didn’t take notice. Until, that is, their mortality became undeniable.
I had assumed that my likes, my dislikes, my thoughts and ideas about life and the world would stay the same once I was “fully formed.” I have, however, found that to be untrue. I have gone through phases when I want to do nothing but X, with that continuing for months or even years until all of a sudden I am done with that and move on to Y.
One of the biggest surprises in the last few years is reading. I have been an avid reader my entire life, taking out books from the school library from an early age, then the public library when I got my first library card in elementary school. Prior to my vision loss, I would read 100 books annually. There were a few years after my sight left the library that I was unable to read. Technology and I had not yet caught up to each other. (Audio books = yuck to me.) But once I had the right equipment, I returned to reading with a vengeance, catching up on all my favorite authors and other books I had missed.
Last year and this year to date have resulted in a terribly poor showing in my literary consumption. I suppose I am busy with writing for Sister Rain, but I, like all of us, now have so many other options for how to spend my time. Streaming platforms, Instagram, TMZ and articles online are ready and waiting 24/7; they all take less brain power than focusing on a book. Sad, Jane Austen, but true.
I am fine with all that I have moved on from except reading. It bothers me that I have only finished a dozen books this year. Although I continue to check new book lists regularly and reserve ebooks from the library, I am not gobbling up anything and everything as I once had.
I do not know if the page will turn back, if I will once again devour books like Piper and his Nutri-Berries at snack time (IYKYK), but I am hopeful that there is a new moon rising soon.
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindwriter #writer #writersofinstagram #humaninterest #life #lifeisgood #lifestories #themoonhasphaseswhyshouldntwe
