Eyesight For $75
By John R. Greenwood
I’m having my eyesight restored today for $75. That’s a pretty good deal wouldn’t you say?
Yes, I’m positioned on that section of life’s timeline when cataracts surface and blurred vision can cloud your outlook on the world. When I played back yesterday’s message on my machine letting me know the time of today’s surgery they also informed me that the copay would be $75. When I thought about all the negativity being thrown at our president I felt an obligation to speak out about what having health insurance means to me.
Today it meant seeing the smile on my wife’s face as she held our three month old grandson. It was savoring the beauty of one finite, high definition moment. Isn’t that brief flash of time alone worth $75?
That’s my point.
If I were to add up 2013’s memorable moments that I would have missed without my eyesight it would total well over, let’s say, $Pri,cel,ess.00.
How can you possibly put a price on vision? I think our society needs to reevaluate our outlook. Don’t we all deserve to be able to see our grandchildren blowing bubbles and cooing as they kick their little feet with the fuzzy red striped socks? Who’s job is it to say I deserve that joy more than the guy who doesn’t have the luxury of health insurance? As an able bodied adult male who’s experienced much more good in my life than bad I am willing to step up to the plate and pay it forward for the family who hasn't had as much good fortune. This isn’t a debate for or against my president’s effort to insure everyone in my America it’s about looking at the greater good. I won’t pretend to understand all the complexities of this new program but I do understand one thing very clearly. I am willing to do it simply because it’s the right thing to do. I will take that chance versus being so selfish and afraid of the consequences, that I would spread fear about how terrible it’s going to be and how it is going to destroy our nation. Living in a world where we say one thing and do another is not living. Abuse of any system is a given. We will have to deal with that as it comes. I for one am looking far beyond myself at a world where everyone will enjoy the opportunity to have their eyesight restored for $75. Heck, I probably would have paid $80 or even $100 to see the Superbowl in New Jersey this year! 
Thank you, thank you thank you..I am surrounded by folks that don't get the greater good part of life. Yesterday it seemed I was awash in all the hate and bitterness. But today, thanks to you , a different story.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think people get swept up in the negativity. It's like a raging river that consumes everything in it's path. Only the strongest swimmers can make to shore against the current.
DeleteAmazing that cataracts can be removed so easily today and for a nominal fee! I remember as a kid people have to rest for days after such a removal. We can thank modern medicine for some good things. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteToday was like living in HD. We take too many things for granted. I am grateful for the gift I received. Modern medicine and the internet. I love them both.
DeleteI too had cataract surgery this year and it is a miracle -- there are no other words to describe it and grateful that I had to opportunity to have it done.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am saddened by the lack of understanding that there is a common good and we are all responsible for it.
I love the idea of universal health care - but not wrapped in a package that stinks (as I fear this ACA is). We need a system that isn't wasteful, one that the math makes sense. I also fear Government is one of the worst managers of money and programs... I wish this could be an unpolitical issue as health care and food, the basics of living shouldn't be out of reach. Sigh.
ReplyDelete