When I was nine years old, my mom went with this old man to translate for him at a diagnostic imaging appointment. For some reason, she had to bring me with her.
He couldn’t see very well. His son had to fill out all the paperwork for him. When it came time for the old man to sign, someone would have to point his finger to the signature line.
I remember asking my mom, “If he can’t see, why does he wear glasses?”
My mom laughed. ”Vy asked why you wear glasses if you can’t see.”
For a moment, I was horrified. It seemed awfully insensitive to say that out loud.
The old guy laughed, too. ”I think they make me look more handsome. Don’t you?”
[ image by Andrew Huff ]