Inspirational reflections on this and that.

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW!!

A few months ago, my eye doctor told me that I had cataracts in both eyes and one was a stage 4.  “Oh,” I said upon hearing the news, “I was having trouble playing tennis at night.”  He was incredulous.  “I don’t think you quite understand,” he replied.  “You’re actually legally blind.  You shouldn’t be driving, let alone playing tennis.”  So, I had one removed.  The change after surgery was so dramatic that I was utterly convinced my vision was perfect!

Nope.  Now you may see the difference between these two sets of pills, but my eyes fooled me last week.  The white, elliptical one is my heart pill.  The yellow, oblong one is for the thyroid.  Somehow, in the bright sunlight, I poured my new prescriptions into the wrong, waiting bottles.  Since I only take one of each every day, the mix up wasn’t particularly crucial.  But it did give me pause.  What if my thinking is as faulty as my eyesight is becoming?  What if what I think I see isn’t what is there at all?  And what if my mind makes decisions based on my faulty seeing?

Such was the case this morning at Ace hardware for one, young man.  As the cashier rang up my batteries, she noticed that one was mismarked and asked me to get another one.  The kiosk was only a few feet away.  So, I walked over, grabbed another one and as I returned to the cashier, a man in line yelled at me for, “cutting in line.” 

 I explained calmly that I did not cut but was merely finishing the purchase.  He was so mad he didn’t even let me finish my sentence.  “It’s about time someone put you in your place,” he barked.  “We’re all waiting,” he said, indicating the line behind him. At a loss for words over the absurdity of his behavior and complete Iack of awareness, I noticed that the back of his black, T-shirt said, “Only in darkness can you see clearly.” 

So, instead of saying what I really would have liked to say, I simply repeated the quote on the back of his T-shirt.  He had a blank look on his face.  Completely blank.  Then he said, “You know what?  You are completely wasting my time right now.”  

“Well, darlin’” I replied,  “I can see that.

I walked out thrilled.  Clearly, I am not the only one who doesn’t see clearly!

8 responses

  1. Judie Mentzer Avatar
    Judie Mentzer

    Helen, as always, winning over the savage beasts!!! Cataract free, I too, see so much better. But truly “seeing” takes effort, Grasshopper! Love you from the Coast. Was in Encinitas today and thought of you!

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    1. Helen Hudson Avatar

      You have always been my greatest champion and I love you for it.

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  2. Todd Everett Avatar
    Todd Everett

    Nice of the checker or whomever else was in line not to speak up on your behalf.

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    1. Helen Hudson Avatar

      I know. That occurred me, too. No one said a word. I think they were all a bit afraid of him.

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  3. Catherine Jenks Fox Avatar
    Catherine Jenks Fox

    The wisdom to keep an open mind helps us see clearly, and surgery helps too. Rock on Helen!

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  4. pujakins Avatar

    Did you try looking out of the eye that was not yet done, by itself? You will see a good before and after that way.

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    1. Helen Hudson Avatar

      Yes, I did that and you’re right: the difference was amazing!

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