I'm a board-certified family physician who left the arena of medicine in 2003, when an autoimmune illness damaged my eyes. Since then, I have once again taken up a pen, a guitar, and a penchant for maintaining my own health--but it's slow going. A couple of open-water swims each year, daily practice in writing and music, and a modicum of patience are all that I need... ...except for my lady, Tonya, without whom all would be lost. Although being visually impaired has obvious disadvantages, it also allows one to appreciate the world in different ways: when you can't see well, you sometimes aren't as easily fooled by appearances.