Take the courage

A grinding sound for ten seconds and all was black. Every step was described to me. I was oriented. But for a moment or two I did panic. Did I make the right decision? According to the marketing staff, so far they had a 100% success rate. I do know that there are exceptions. I might very well be the first case.

I kept on looking at the pulsating red light. Concentrate. Focus on the dot. There were times that it became a hoola-hoop of a yellow light. Then I heard a chugging sound. They said it lasted for eight seconds.

Everything for 30 minutes. And then I had to wait for another 30. And then I go home.

I did notice that something is different. But I will not realize the full impact until the next day. For then, I will dare to open my eyes completely. And see the world as it is.

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Long hair, oval face, high cheekbones, and olive shaped eyes. These features I should know by now. I see them everyday. They are mine. But yesterday morning, I seemed to have seen myself for the very first time. The lines are clear. My countenance was defined. No wonder I was not interested in staying in front of the mirror. I got used to seeing the fuzzy me. I just make sure that my clothes do not make me look abnormal and that’s it. But yesterday, I appreciated the fact that I see back the image. Completely.

- - -

A box labeled with “Food Container.” A saleslady arranging the baby products. Two guys talking seriously. One was in white the other in yellow. Where do I see them from? The box was atop the cabinet, 3 meters away from me. I was sitting 10 meters away from the saleslady. And the guys? They were at the ground floor. I am looking from the fourth floor of Megamall.

Seems to be commonplace images. But not for someone who has been nearsighted all her life. I only see a fuzzy starfish when I snorkel. A blurred image of a wonderful view when my glasses become fogged.

- - -

I wouldn’t have believed it three months ago that I would go through the knife (more of a can opener, to be more precise). But God opened doors. Literally. A new medical clinic opened in Megamall. A spur-of-the-moment yet God ordained visit to a kind doctor brought about this possibility of enjoying the visual world.

I just needed to take the big step. To have the courage to say yes. To chase the lion and face my fear. And to win. I want to enjoy the colors of the sea. I want to take pictures and not be hindered by fragile glasses. I want to see the world and for the world to see me. Without the barriers that eye glasses generate.

Carper Diem. Seize the day. Angkinin ang araw.

Chase the Lion.

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I will shamelessly plug the wonderful LASIK services of my doctor : Dr. Lee Verzosa of DLS-STI at Megamall. He also has a clinic in St. Luke's.