Day 1083 Lights

 

Lasik in the Morning and Theatre by the Sea at Night—Now That’s a Day!

I was up early for my LASIK appointment, with my mom picking me up to head to Providence by 7 a.m. I even gathered the recycling for a quick stop at the transfer station on our way in—chores don’t stop just because you’re having surgery.

Though it’s technically considered surgery, LASIK hardly felt like it. Honestly, it was easier than getting a cavity filled—and not freaky at all. I had imagined alien-abduction-type scenes, complete with needles poking into eyeballs. That couldn't have been further from the truth. I lay on a padded table, rested my head in a support, and focused on a machine showing colorful laser lights. That was it! Start to finish, the procedure lasted no more than five minutes.

Afterward, I walked into another room, received a bag full of eye drops, and was sent home. They gave me a Valium beforehand to calm any nerves. I wasn’t nervous at all, but I took it anyway since they recommended heading straight home for a nap. At least the Valium helped with that part!

I climbed into bed and slept for hours. When I woke up, I was amazed by how good I felt—no pain, not even discomfort. My eyes will take a little while to adjust and work together, but so far, I’m pleased as punch that I did it! I’ll still need readers, but I’m looking forward to the ease of picking up drugstore glasses without a prescription and loving my already clearer vision of the world. 

When I woke, I heard the sound of tiny feet running through the house—Bridie and the boys had arrived. Everyone seemed surprised that I looked totally normal, no bloodshot eyes or pirate-style eye patch. As we started chatting about dinner plans, I realized I’d slept away most of the day. And since I’d already taken Friday off, I hopped on the computer and grabbed tickets for Hairspray at Theatre by the Sea for the 8pm show. 

Bridie had never been to our local iconic theater, so it was the perfect chance to show her what she’d been missing. My friends were having dinner at the Bistro beforehand, so Bridie and I surprised them by joining. They were amazed to see me out and about, but after that nap, it felt like noon to me.

A friend of mine had a major role in the show, and it was especially fun to see her crush it as Velma Von Tussle. Bridie loved the theatre and the show—how could she not? We had a wonderful mother-daughter night out, and a new tradition might just have been born. 

From laser lights to stage lights, it was a day I won’t soon forget. Who knew eye surgery and musical theatre could go together so well?

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