Different, yet EQUAL

So I was at the grocery store the other day and as I was shopping I noticed a woman wearing a surgical mask, kind of like the one that people were wearing during the SARS outbreak a few years back. I thought it was interesting and wondered what her reason was for wearing it. I came to the conclusion that she probably had a lowered immune system and was more susceptible to germs than most people. At that moment, I thanked God that I have a normal immune system and don't have to wear a mask like that. As as left the store, I put my sunglasses on...as I do ANYTIME I go outside. For me, and MY eyes, going anywhere without sunglasses (solar shields to be exact) is no longer an option. I MUST protect my eyes now...at ALL times. Since I've begun wearing my sunglasses, I've become greatly aware of how many people DON'T need to wear them. I see kids at the park playing...no sunglasses. People at the beach...no sunglasses. People driving down the street...no sunglasses. I am not able to do ANY of those things without sunglasses anymore. As much as I need prescription glasses in order to see clearly, I also need the sunglasses to protect my extra sensitive retina and make sure that I don't cause any damage to them. Since January 29, 2009... everyday that I've been able to SEE has been an absolute GIFT from God, because according to the retina specialist, my "vision clock" is ticking and I'm not supposed to be able to see for much longer. Well, PRAISE BE TO GOD...it's 3 years later and I'm still typing words on the screen, driving myself wherever I need to go and am fully independent with EYES THAT FUNCTION. My observation at the grocery store made me realize that we are all different in one way or another, yet at the same time...we are EQUAL. The lady wearing the mask may not ever need to wear sunglasses while going outside, and I may never need to wear the mask that she has to wear, yet at the same time...she and I are equal. I think that's amazing. In our UNIQUENESS...we are still EQUAL. Wow! How 'bout that! Let the DIALOGUE begin: What do YOU have to do differently that most people don't? Talk to me! Til next time...