Life sometimes lures us into thinking we're invincible, especially when it comes to our health. We expect it to stay the same, however, in an instant, things can change...
When I was diagnosed with cataracts, they were progressing slowly, so I thought I had a long time before surgery would be needed. In reality, I didn't have as much time as I thought....things once slow moving, sped up. At first, I lost vision in my left eye...the only thing visible were shadows and the change from light to dark. However, days before surgery, I found that the vision in my right eye had quickly deteriorated to the point I could no longer drive or read.
A few days before surgery, I received a call with the amount of money needed up front. Even with insurance, the out of pocket was more than I could handle. With the pre-surgery bills, the fear of losing my sight and the possibility of having to reschedule the surgery creeping in...the "what-ifs" ran wild through my head...
I prayed. It was during the prayer that Day 1 Week 1 popped into my thoughts. I reached out to Billy, who said "Don't worry. We're on it." And they were!
I tend to take care of everything by myself. I struggle to ask for help. As a former paramedic, I offer help. I don't ask for it. However, this time I realized I was now in a place where I couldn't do this on my own.
Very few knew of the problems I was having with my eyesight, which only exacerbated the struggles I was having with my own mental health. Since surgery, my life has been different. My eyes open to not only physical clarity but to seeing life in a whole new way...the textures and patterns found in nature became so incredibly powerful and their connection to not only my physical health, but also my mental and spiritual health, has been life changing. Things I couldn't see or understand pre-surgery, are now beginning to teach me so many lessons post-surgery.
And so, I want to take a moment and thank some very special people...
Day 1 Week 1: Thank you so much for your financial support and for the checking-ins after surgery. Without you, I would still be in the darkness. You had the courage to recognize that helping other first responders with physical illnesses/injuries can also play a huge role our day to day journey with mental health...
Barnabas Horse Foundation: Thank you for your prayers, your support, check-ins after surgery and for thinking of ways that would have kept me coming to the farm had I lost my vision completely...
Coastal Eye Group and Grande Dunes Surgery Center: Thank you to the administrative staff, the nurses and the anesthesiologist for your kindness, helpfulness, check-ins after surgery and for your professionalism throughout this entire process.
Dr. McGaughy: What can I say? You are amazing, and thorough, at your craft. When I was unsure, you kept saying it would all be ok...and it was. Thank you for the check-ins after surgery and for being so supportive, positive, and reassuring.
Sean & Pete...Thank you both for taking time out of your day(s) to read all the medical documents to me and for chauffeuring me around to appointments, as well as both days of surgery. Thank you for always checking-in and for stopping for food. I appreciate you guys...
I am so incredibly thankful to have this group of individuals in my corner, helping me to not only navigate this time of uncertainty, but who used their God given gifts to restore my sight and my hope...so a simple thank you seems so small in comparison to what I have been given...but know that it does come from the heart.
~Parker
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