From near darkness to light, my retinae reattachment surgery from December 24, 2019

The Journey of Healing: A Christmas to Remember

December 2019 marked a turning point for me, not just in my vision but in my understanding of resilience and hope. It all started when I began to notice a troubling decline in my sight, particularly in my left eye. After doing some reading and trying to piece together what might be happening, I inevitably found myself closing my right eye to see if there was any improvement—only to observe what looked like a curtain slowly descending over my vision.

Concerned, I decided to speak up about it. My wife and I reached out to our ophthalmologist the afternoon of December 22nd, and to my relief, he urged me to come in immediately. During the examination, the doctor confirmed our fears: I had a detached retina. Without hesitation, he stepped out to contact a renowned retinal specialist who had a reputation not just for excellence, but for having developed a patented surgical technique that many specialists around the globe had learned under his guidance.

I was scheduled for surgery early on December 24th at the Philips Eye Institute. I couldn’t help but reflect on my father’s own battle with similar eye issues at this very clinic years prior—a journey that saw him undergoing the same surgery multiple times in the early 2000s. Doubts crept in, yet I was filled with a deep sense of faith, reminding myself that each journey is unique and that healing was ahead.

As Christmas Eve approached, bustling with preparations, I found myself in a rather unusual position. I was recovering, head tilted down, perched in a massage chair my son had gifted me. While the rest of the family joyfully unwrapped Christmas gifts, all I could manage was a view of their shoes—a peculiar perspective, certainly, but it turned out to be a beautiful reminder of the affection and warmth surrounding me. My daughter-in-law’s stylish shoes caught my attention, and even from my unusual vantage point, I found joy in the small details.

The following weeks were filled with the journey of healing, as I received clearance to drive again from my retina specialist. Yet, he gently reminded me that recovery from retinal detachment surgery wasn't a race; it was a journey that would require patience and care. That struck a chord within me.

This experience taught me more than patience. It became a time of reflection on the grace that we often overlook in our daily lives. I remember thinking of how grateful I was for the Savior who heals our afflictions and seeks to enter into the lives of others, regardless of their beliefs.

So, to those of you who may find yourselves struggling with your own challenges, I encourage you to open your hearts to the possibility of healing. Invite hope in, invite grace in. You never know the profound changes that may occur when you take that leap. I can assure you, regardless of the trials we face, there is a path toward healing and light, especially during the seasons that celebrate love and connection.

This Christmas, I remind myself that through the darkness, there is always a flicker of hope waiting to be embraced. Let’s take that journey together.