Summary

A woman regains her sight after 55 years of impaired vision through cataract surgery, facilitated by her friend Marilyn Flower, and reflects on the impact of this life-changing event and the gratitude she feels towards her friend.

Abstract

The author describes her experience of undergoing cataract surgery, which has significantly improved her vision, a condition she had lived with since childhood. This surgery, which she could not fully afford, was made possible with the help of her friend Marilyn Flower. The transformation in her vision is likened to the time she first received glasses as a child, which opened up a new world for her. The improvement in her sight has rekindled her love for reading and writing and has given her the freedom to engage in everyday activities, such as driving, without assistance. She expresses profound gratitude towards Marilyn, who not only supported her financially but also plays a significant role in her life as an editor for her publication, Middle-Pause. The author views Marilyn as a sister figure and acknowledges the broader community of women who support each other.

Opinions

The author equates the surgery's impact to a miracle, emphasizing the profound change in her quality of life.
She expresses a deep-seated fear of age-related blindness, which was exacerbated by her recent diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and age-related vision loss.
The author holds Marilyn Flower in high regard, admiring her humor, authenticity, and writing skills, and considers her the embodiment of grace and generosity.
The surgery has not only restored her vision but also her independence, allowing her to partake in activities she had been deprived of for years.
She values the sense of community and sisterhood among women, particularly highlighting the support she received from Marilyn and the Middle-Pause community.
The author is inspired to continue her work with renewed vigor, thanks to the restored vision and the support system she has around her.

I Can See For the First Time in 55 Years

Thanks to my special friend!

Be the light that helps others see. — Anonymous…

It’s a miracle! Of medicine and Marilyn Flower. Two m’s intersected to bring about a miraculous change in my life. What am I talking about? Cataract surgery and my friend who made it possible.

You might say cataract surgery is a minor thing that thousands of people undergo every day. But for me, it is light out of the darkness, which is where I’ve dwelt for the past 55 years. Well, not the night kind of dark but a hazy, fuzzy can’t see past the hood of my car kind of dark.

Blind as a bat.

This type of vision is considered legally blind. For instance, I asked my doc about my vision in terms of numbers. Did he just tell me to read the letters on the board? I had to say, what board?

He said you have to take the finger test. Huh? How many fingers am I holding up? I couldn’t answer until he was just about 10 feet away. However, I’ve worn corrective lenses that gave me 20/50 vision and helped me to function in daily activities.

I maintained this level of visual acuity until this past year. Sometime in January, I noticed things were harder to see. I started bumping into corners, tripping and stumbling over things, and fell twice. Finally, I went to the eye doctor.

I got hit with a triple threat — diabetic retinopathy, age-related vision loss, and cataracts. Age-related blindness has been a fear of mine for many years. But this really got me scared.

I asked the doc what we could do. He recommended cataract removal and insertion of a multifocal lens to correct my astigmatism. However, this required additional charges above the insurance coverage. I would still have to wear glasses.

Until Marilyn stepped in.

So far, I’ve only had the right eye done with the left soon to follow. I’m still amazed at the difference the surgery made. Colors are brighter, images are crisp, and I can make out the eyes and lips on my husband’s face across the room. (Two of his best features.)

Stars

This change reminds me of the time when I first got glasses at age seven. They were a pearl blue, thick-lensed cat-eyed pair of the ugliest glasses I ever saw that my mama made me wear.

One night, we went to the drive-in movies to see Swiss Family Robinson. I looked up at the night sky and started screaming. When my dad asked what was wrong with me, I cried, “Aliens, we are being invaded by aliens!”

What I saw were stars.

I had never seen a star before. It was life-changing. I could see! I read everything I could get my hands on. The opportunity to see clearly gave me the love of reading and writing.

That is what this surgery means to me. It has opened a door of possibilities again. I’ll be able to look ahead without constantly keeping my head down to see where I step.

I’ll have the freedom to drive again. For the past eight years, I’ve had to depend on someone else to take me places. It’s been Uber, the Lift Bus, or a family member.

Soon, I’ll be able to go to the store whenever I want. I can go places with my grandkids and see the sights. It’s the little things that make all the difference.

Now that you know how precious sight is, I want to talk about how grateful I am for my friend, Marilyn Flower. In this season of gratitude and giving, she embodies gifting and grace.

Marilyn is a special part of my life and was before she knew it. Even before I started Middle-Pause, I loved Marily’s humor and authenticity that shone through her writing. I’ve said many times over that I want to be like Marilyn when I grow up!

Her writing is clever and, sister, she has skills!

Sisters

When I became overwhelmed with submissions to Middle-Pause, I knew in my heart that Marilyn would be an excellent editor. I asked her to join me and she accepted!

Ever since that first day, Marilyn has dedicated a portion of her busy schedule to Middle-Pause. She is a vital part of this community, and I don’t know what I’d do without her.

We have developed a bond that reaches beyond space and time. Like so many of us at Middle-Pause, we encourage one another with our words, hearts, and yes, actions.

Like sisters.

I consider Marilyn the sister I never had. We are all sisters. We are a community of women that care for each other. Again, like sisters. Women who give of our time, talents, and gifts because we are grateful. It all comes back to sisterhood. I was sitting in a shadowland and she brought the light!

Marilyn exemplifies the Spirit of us. Middle-Pausers.

Thank you, sis.

How is Your Heart Expressing Your Gratitude, Generosity, and Appreciation?

A thanksgiving question with a year-round answer

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Debbie Walker is a great-grandmother writer, blogger, and the creator of Middle-Pause & Forward Motion, the podcast STOMP!, MPM Publishing, and is editing a 4-book anthology of Middle-Pause writers. Stay in touch at [email protected]; follow her on Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; & listen to STOMP!