Thankful for Allergies

Monday morning, I awoke to a clicking sound. I rotated in bed and looked for the culprit, all the while noticing the increasing rate of the noise. Observing some pressure around my right eye and the click coinciding with each blink of my eyelids, I realized there must be a pollen that my sinuses cannot handle.

Going downstairs to prepare for the day, I look into the mirror to discover a blowfish residing in my right eye. Now, I didn't "panic", but I did get nervous. I'd never seen the outer film of an eyeball swell and protrude beyond the eyelids. Was my eyesight in danger? Could I drive back to CO? I don't know anyone here. Would my insurance cover a doctor's visit? What if I have to undergo an invasive procedure? Is it okay to go to the Y?

I tell you what, having a smartphone became entirely worth it at this moment. I got a list of eye doctors in the Door County area and started calling until one was willing to squeeze me in at 3:45. It was an eternity to speculate about all the what ifs.

The eye improved throughout the day, but I kept my Sturgeon Bay appointment. I killed a little time collecting memory rocks in Ephraim and then drove 41 minutes to the doctor's office. I know, that distance is a drop in the bucket for you big city dwellers. :)

The business manager took my insurance card in an attempt to make a claim. The nurse cringed and looked at me blankly when I described my blowfish symptoms. The doctor did a thorough exam to investigate any deeper issues and then pronounced that I was experiencing an allergic reaction.

Relief set in when it became obvious my condition was neither "eye" threatening nor unusual. A $129 office visit charge later and with eye washing, cold packing, and antihistamine dropping instructions in hand, I took a triumphant saunter to the car.

Though a minimal success, I was pleased with my grown-up managing of the situation. I am 47 years old and such events should not generate such pride, but they do. It's all about discovering that being alone does not equate being defeated or handicapped. So, I celebrate the small victories. You'll have to ask me about repairing my dryer door latch with a $4.50 part rather than a $90+ service call.

I honored my victory with a gutsy pop-in visit to reservations only Donny's Glidden Lodge Restaurant. Magnificent views, succulent steak, luscious shrimp, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a side of eating alone confidence served as an ideal accolade.

You're right, Leslie. I am making it happen and God is opening my heart to embracing the subtle conquests.