Starting to draw again for the first time in years has been an exciting experience. I enjoy doodling, and I'm beginning to think that I could be a decent artist if I just put the time into practice. I don't think I have any natural talent, but I can still have fun with it.

My main problem is that I love traditional art, and my recent drawings have helped me realize just how terrible my vision has become. When I get a scan of my pictures and upload them here, I realize how much of my doodle I can't see very clearly. I've always had impaired vision, but I have noticed that my vision has steadily declined in the last couple of years. I'm fortunate because the doctors told my folks that if my eye condition hadn't been caught as early as it was, I would have been blind in my left eye early in life. Other members of my family with the same condition did eventually lose their vision in the "bad eye."

I know that someday I will go blind in my left eye. I wish that science could find a way to reverse this problem before I reach that point, but I just don't think it will happen. Essentially, the connection between my eye and my brain didn't develop fully. I've spent so much of my life wondering what it would have been like if I could see like everyone else. I wonder what the world would look like if it were completely clear. Even with glasses, my vision is pretty awful. But I can't spend time dwelling on things I can't change. I am how I am, and that's okay. The parts of me that work and those that don't add up to who I am - and I'm okay with who I am.

A few months ago, I was in a dark place where I was extremely unsure of myself, what I was doing, and whether or not I deserved good things in my life. That all changed when someone special came into my life and forced me out of my funk. My physical vision isn't great, but I can clearly see when the universe is trying to send me a message. I started to fall off the tracks, and my new friend bumped me back into place. I don't know where I'll be in five years, next year, or even next months - but I know I'll be grateful. I'll be thankful for this life and the amazing people I have had the sincere privilege of meeting along my journey.

I don't know how I got here from wanting to express my concerns about my vision, but I guess that's just how things go sometimes. I know I wouldn't even be posting on here right now if it weren't for my friend. They bumped me out of my furry-closet and even convinced me to go to my first furry convention. I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last few months.

To the people in my life who have helped bump me "back onto the tracks," thank you. You know who you are.