14 Comments
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Kate Armstrong's avatar

Sorry to hear this, Ronald, and I hope the investigations are helpful. I laughed aloud at the ‘second sacred epic’ problem. (No, I have not read Paradise Regained.) I visited Milton’s cottage a few years ago, which I think is where he wrote PL. It’s a very humble location for such a magnificent work of literature.

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Jon Sparks's avatar

Really sorry to hear about this but I admire the way you’re dealing with it. And I very appreciate the idea that as an atheist you are less bothered by questions like ‘why me?’ Many people might think the opposite but I get what you’re saying.

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James Lee's avatar

Great that you're writing as lucidly as ever, Ronald. And I never knew that Milton wrote Paradise Lost when he was blind. Really inspiring! ✨️

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Ronald Turnbull's avatar

I didn't either. That depressing last line of the sonnet I assumed it was all ove r for him. No way! Samson Agonistes as well "eyeless in Gaza at the mill with slaves", maybe should read that one or if there's a good audiobook who knows.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

An amazing achievement for sure.

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Bryan Hall's avatar

Ronald, an interesting insight into one of those things that we all hope may never happen to us, but sometimes it does.

Hope all goes well

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Ronald Turnbull's avatar

Thanks! For the time being it's going better again.

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Alex Roddie's avatar

Very sorry to hear this, Ronald. But glad to read that you’re carrying on with your Substack - always a highlight for me! I hope the improvement is permanent.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Coming to terms with losing one's sight, even a portion of it, takes courage and resilience, and Ronald I know you have this in spades. You'll find ways around.. and ways through... just as you do when you're out and about exploring.

I wrote about a holiday I took this year with people who are blind - I acted as a guide. It gave me a fascinating insight into how people manage.

And having nearly lost my own sight several years ago, needing cryosurgery to glue my eyeballs back together... I appreciate your concerns.

All the best.

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Ronald Turnbull's avatar

Thanks Yasmin! We'll see how it goes.

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Alice Weinert's avatar

This was a very comforting read for me since I've been dealing with some vision issues of my own (though not nearly extreme as yours). I didn't realize that Milton wrote Paradise Lost after losing his sight and it is nice to know that creative endeavors can continue after such a loss. Best of luck with your eyes!

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What to read if's avatar

So sorry to hear this - really hope everything goes as well as possible. Loved your retelling of the parable of the talents, which has always struck me as both unfair and encouraging fraud...

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Ronald Turnbull's avatar

Yes, it turned out to be a simple optic nerve thing which responded to steroids - I feel a bit unbritish for having made a fuss about it...

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What to read if's avatar

Good grief, definitely not making a fuss - must have been really scary (although you were v. stiff upper-lipped…) Really glad to hear it's responded to treatment, they can definitely do some good stuff now.

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