Lois, how sad for your friend. Our Lions Club actually started a center here in Fort Collins about 20 years ago which specializes in helping people with macular degeneration. There isn't much you can do to stop the disease, but they have many adaptive resources to help the clients. Unfortunately, sewing would prove to be near to impossible to do with it. I am sure your friend is happy knowing that her fabrics will go to someone who will use them and remember her generousity as they are quilting. Hugs to her.

Sue

Lois, that is sad! My father-in-law and his wife both have MD. She was an avid quilter and cross-stitcher and cannot do them any more. She also is an avid baker and it's getting very hard for her to do that, since she has trouble reading recipes and the knobs on the stove.

I'm glad your friend was giving away her stash to people who would use it. I think if I were in her place, I'd be more sad/upset to keep all my sewing supplies knowing I couldn't use them any more.

Donna

How devastating for your friend, Lois. It makes me realize how much I take my site for granted, even though I wear contacts/glasses. At least you will use some of her precious stash, and I'm sure she will feel better that it will be used for the purpose it was purchased.

Lois, It's very sad and I'm so sorry! My husband has it. He's given up on all his hobbies...has given away or sold his models, bonsai, artwork, and orchids. He still tries to mow the lawn, but can't tell where he's already mowed. He can't make out the numbers on the microwave. He misses the opening to the coffee pot to pour in the water and it's all over the counter......but he doesn't know it. I'm trying to keep him doing as much as I can, even with cleaning up after him.......it's ok, I really don't mind. But, it does keep me from sewing. Our youngest daughter is making sounds about having us move in with her.....I figure they might give us another year, but I will not go gently without my sewing machine and supplies! There just might be a lot of jelly roll race quilts in 2022. Somehow, it will all work out......I have to believe that.

I'm sorry about your friend, Lois. I've noticed each year there are more friends in decline, which should not have come as a surprise. But you don't really look for it ahead of time, it's just all of a sudden there. My husband has glaucoma and has diminishing eyesight. Like your husband, Sharon, he has given a lot up and struggles with some everyday activities. I noticed more unmowed strips in the law this summer too. But he doesn't know and it helps him feel that he is contributing. He can still go for walks alone, but now takes a walking stick in case he trips on something he can't see. He still can workout at the gym, but gave up on taking a shower at the facility. He is able to read on a large computer screen, but had to give up any type of printed material. It will work out, Sharon. You have a lovely family and are blessed they will be there to help!

Thanks, everyone, for your concern. Sharon and Bev, I’m so sorry that both of your husbands are so visually impaired. You both sound as if you are dealing with it in a kind and loving way. I fear that I wouldn’t handle it nearly as well. My husband and I are both 77, and we’re realizing there is a lot to do around our house that we are just not able to do any longer. We live on a lake, so along with the typical house and yard work, there are docks and boats to deal with. He is finally agreeing to hire dock installers, window washers, yard rakers, etc., but it was a struggle. He’s always believed that the two of us could handle whatever needed to be done. I finally put my foot down this year after my back surgery. I think he is finally accepting our limitations. I hope we can do this gracefully.

Lois, I can totally identify with your situation. We live on a lake as well and there is always alot of maintenance on boats, dock, boathouse, stairs down to dock, etc. This weekend we will be splitting/stacking firewood. Us 50 somethings even have trouble keeping up. Don't get me wrong, I love this house, but it does require extra effort.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Adjusting to loss of sight would be so difficult.

It's tough getting older. Many of my previously active friends are now having hip and knee replacements. My husband and I are in our 70s and like others have commented, we are realizing we cannot do everything we could do even 5 years ago. Of course, we are the type that does not give up without a good fight. My husband is still cutting down trees for firewood (only ones shading our solar panels and getting weak), putting in the dock, taking it out, doing repairs and I do all the landscaping work. But it is certainly getting hard to keep it up.