Giving the Gift of Sight

Opinion Piece by Michelle Durand in today's San Mateo Daily Journal: My better half's father is trying to see his way to heaven. Actually, he's just trying to ensure entry through the pearly gates at the appropriate time by accumulating good deed points. More specifically, he is collecting used and discarded eyewear for refurbishing and redistribution to those with vision problems in Third World countries. Robert is collecting the glasses with plans to turn them over to the Lions Club International. The club has long recycled unneeded eyewear, giving old glasses new life and millions of recipients an opportunity for a better life. Without sight, opportunities for learning, for working and for many basic functions are crippled. These are folks who may not be able to see the world through rose-colored glasses because, frankly, they can barely see the world at all. In their corner, though, are groups like the Lions Club which works to fill this void. Their corner also includes people like Robert, individuals whose good deeds aren't connected to membership in a service organization or holiday guilt when confronted by Salvation Army bell ringers or fire department toy drives. Instead, somewhere underneath the joking and sarcasm, the teasing and good-natured taunting at family functions, there runs a streak of generosity which is delivered with an expected dose of self-deprecation. He asked if I had any old prescription glasses probably because he always sees me in the same black-rimmed pair for his cause. What cause?, I asked. Knowing his humor, my answer might have lead to a quiet punchline. I'm trying to get to heaven,? he replied with a sly smile. But the real answer is the same as what motivates him to rebuild the backyard fence and mend the sewer lines at his daughter's house without complaint, to refrain from strangling the rambunctious grandchildren when they poke at the fish pond and knock down the screen door, to accept the grand-dog using his lap for naptime, to keep the housefull of outside Christmas lights blazing until the very last car full of onlookers has stopped oohing and aahing despite potential detriment to his PG&E bill. In that spirit, I'm trying to help collect glasses for those whose needs are a little more basic than home repair and holiday decorations. I don't expect nor assume my role will help me end up on either Santa's nice list or with a VIP pass to heaven. I do believe that by helping him not only will people I will never meet benefit from my simple plea but in some small way I can give back to a man whose merits already have earned him a place upstairs. Recycled glasses aren't typically considered a celestial gift but I'm pretty certain the recipients will find them heaven sent. Glasses can be donated by dropping them off at the Daily Journal, 800 S. Claremont St., San Mateo. Or find a collection center and more information on the recycling program at www.lionsclub.org

- Written by Joanne

Comments

[Joanne]

Used eyeglasses can also be left with our Burlingame Lions Club. It meets at noon on Thursdays at their clubhouse in Washington Park.

[Joanne]

A follow up from Michelle Durand in her column today in the San Mateo Daily Journal:

In a different vein, let me thank the anonymous donors who've dropped off unneeded eyewear for donation to the Lions Club. Actually, the word thanks doesn't do justice to my gratitude so magnify the sentiment a few times in your head.
For those who missed my earlier column, I am collecting glasses for passage on to the organization actually, for passage to an in-law who is in turn giving them to the group which in turns refurbishes them with prescription lenses for the needy in other countries.
Much to my delight, the column drew a couple paper bags filled with spare glasses and cases along with a few single items. These folks didn't leave their name but if they're reading, know that you are much appreciated. And the collection offer still stands for anyone else out there with eyewear to spare and a desire to do a good deed.
The column also culled e-mails from local Lions Club members who filled me in a little more about the group's recycling program, including the tidbits that some of the sorting and labeling work is done by prison inmates and that the United States doesn't allow the distribution of free eyeglasses.
My favorite response came from a Burlingame Lions Club member who has volunteered with his wife in two Mexico clinics and summed up the reason to make the effort: [I]t is quite an experience to see a 60-year-old man or woman who has never had glasses, see clearly for the first time in decades.?
Kudos to him, his wife, all Lions Club members, the anonymous donors and everybody who does something good for somebody else.

To which I say: Amen!