Friday, March 20, 2015

Unexpected blessings



A Christmas miracle? An Easter miracle? I honestly have no idea how to explain today. I’m so mixed up and exhausted that I’m not sure if I’m coming or going.  No, actually, I know for SURE that we are coming home!

The appointment with the cornea specialist was absolutely the best way to end these past 10 days, as you can possibly imagine.

To say I was a bit anxious when we got to the appointment might be an understatement.  Mostly, I was just anxious to get on the road and get headed home, so when the very (VERY!) nice doctor walked in and started visiting about being a graduate of LSU Medical School, loving New Orleans, his family history with Mardi Gras, his love of “mud bugs”, his previous “crawfish boils,” his passion for bringing the heat to his food, and his overall love of Louisiana; I nearly jumped out of my skin while trying my absolute best to be an attentive, reflective listener. 

30 minutes later, we began the discussion of my eyes and as I described my symptoms, he pulled up example pictures (of the same) on his computer.  Within about 10 minutes, he convinced me to allow him to place a contact lens about the size of a nickel on my right eye (the one with the double vision).

I immediately lost my double vision for the first time in 2 years.  I bawled.  And then he placed my glasses on my face and I could see even better.  He explained that most eye doctors don’t like to study what he specializes in, because, quite frankly, it’s boring.  But unfortunately, that’s “why they overlook the most obvious and easy solutions.”

Without going into all of the science, I can tell you my eyelid still drops and he suggested I simply tape it open if it drops too much, since I didn’t want to have the surgery to lift my eyelid.  When I asked him about the “Fuchs/cornea disease” issue, he said, “Well, does this contact lens resolve your immediate concern with your vision today?” Of course, I responded affirmatively so he said, “Well then, we don’t need to worry about anything else for right now.”

Good enough for me because if I can’t do anything about it, there is no sense in hearing all the gory details and frightening myself.

I asked if I could keep the contact lens he had placed in my eye. When he said, yes, I responded with, “Good, because I didn’t want to fight you for it.” So, he gave me another one and told me I can keep the lens in my eye 24 hours a day and only need to replace it once a week. He gave me a spare lens and a prescription and said he’s looking forward to returning to Louisiana this summer for an annual 3-day silent retreat he does at a convent.  I turned to him as we rolled out and said, “Praise God.” He said, “You made my day.  Your smile makes it all worth it.” David enthusiastically agreed with both of us and we left.

Look, I know there is a lot to grieve, but I just drove (that’s right…I was behind the wheel!) toward home for 3 hours, I have really great vision tonight and I shared a breathtaking sunset with the man God sent, so we would both know what it means to truly be cherished. 

Those are really good reasons to celebrate, so I’m calling it a miracle. Whether you call it a Christmas miracle or an Easter miracle, I honestly do not care.

Peace, Only in Him

Su

12 comments:

  1. I really enjoy reading your updates. I am sure there are other challenges but so happy you had an early Easter miracle :)

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  2. I'm with Robbyn, early Easter miracle indeed! If I could do a cartwheel I would do it right now! I can see you behind the wheel rejoicing. A great reminder to the rest of us reading your blog to celebrate the detail of our lives. I love you Super Su.

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    1. I'll pay you to do a cartwheel. Please. I love you more. Much more.

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  3. Oh, my! God is so good and we are thrilled over the moon and back at your news!
    Remember I have loved you before you were a gleam in your Dad's EYE!!!
    Cindy

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    1. Cindy! Thank you so much for sweet notes and devoted prayers! It does mean something special to have someone like you and the Browns supporting and praying for me. Please give my love to the fam!

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  4. Keeping it simple! This makes me so happy!

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  5. What blessed news! Isn' t it funny how Heavenly Father places just the right person in our path when we most need them and least expect them? And the fact that he's an LSU grad and loves mudbugs! What could be better than that? You are blessed. He knows you intimately and will always be there for you. Have a great week!

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    1. Thank you Patti! I couldn't agree more! I appreciate the prayers, more than you know!

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  6. HI sweet Su and savior David,
    What fantastic news!! Thanks so much for all the updates!! I am impressed with your writing skills and I see no cognitive deficits there whatsoever...Loved all the HORNS references and can't wait to see the new chair!! How wonderful that what you needed was a contact lense..oooooo maybe you could get a burnt orange one and really freak people out!! ha ha...Jame 1:4 "And let perseverance be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" You are the poster child for perseverance!! 2Corinthians 5:17 So whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold new things have come" Love you Su and praying daily for you ..continue to be strong..you soooo incredible..Mary Dan and Allison...p.s Allison is talking to Sydney about a job at her company...another answered prayer!!!! I'll keep you posted!! Safe travels back to LA!!

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  7. Hi Mary! Thank you for your nice note! I am so grateful to have such dedicated friends, such that you all read my blog! I always tried to keep it short, but it never worked out so well! I genuinely appreciate the reflection on my cognition. I write a whole bunch better than I speak and my short term memory is fairly bad, but I'm working hard to keep what I have and use what does work well. My writing has definitely been that therapy for me...so to speak. I will keep Allison in my prayers about the job. That company is really something! I hope to see you soon. We would love it if you guys came for a visit to the lake sometime! Please give a big hug to Dan for me!

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  8. HI Su!!! We will make an effort to try and come out and see you guys!! Maybe this summer when I have some more time off. Life has been busy and just now catching up on your blog. You are truly an inspiration to me and my family. Not sure the job with Sydneys company will work out for Allison. I think they needed someone with more specialized experience in technology. She has some other good prospects on the horizon though!! I hope you have a truly wonderful blessed Easter!! Here is my Bible verse of the day that I thought I would share....Ephesians 1 "We have been ransomed through his Son's blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace." May God's overflowing peace be with you always..love Mary Dan and Allison

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