Terry-Jim
What do you see, Doc?
You have a Terry-Jim, the doctor said.
A what?
A Terry-Jim.
How do you spell that?
P-t-e-r-y-g-i-u-m, she said, carefully writing it on a napkin as she spoke.
Huh. A pterygium. What in the world is that?
It’s a growth in your eye. It’s not cancerous, don’t worry. It is when the white part of your eye starts to grow over the cornea. You can research it to learn more if you like.
It’s not cancerous? Thank God for that. What in the world causes it?
Nobody knows. It just happens to some people when they are in the sun a lot. You should wear sunglasses when you go outside.
This is how I learned of my new friend, Terry-Jim. To me, he looks like a thin little sheen of egg white that has snuck onto one small section of the clear part of my right eye. Good grief. I don’t like him.
So, Doc, will I be able to play the piano?
Of course!
Wow! I never could play before! Thanks!
She fell for the oldest doctor joke in the book. I had to explain it to her. She sort-of got it. When I told Karen about it, she said I’m even more of a freak now but that I’m her freak so it’s okay.
I’m researching natural alternatives. I’m wearing my sunglasses. Stay tuned.