I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I would be.
The surroundings were quiet and comfortable. I was reclined and still wearing street clothes, although they had to remove my shoes because the blue fabric booties would not fit over them.
The conversations with passer-bys were brief. Topics focused on comfort, timing, and the magical Villanova win over North Carolina in the NCAA men's basketball final.
And then it was time.
Eyesight is important to everyone. And doing what I do, my job is more difficult when it's compromised. It's not just the inconvenience of diffused lights while trying to drive at night. It's actually harder to write, and to photograph, when my God-given optics aren't at full capacity.
I drifted off for a moment. Then came back to a dazzling light show playing in my left eye. I heard voices. Some were human, and one was robotic calling out various tasks. The colors twisted and turned. Some discussion. The colors changed again. They were clearer this time, better defined.
I was neither comfortable, nor uncomfortable. My body was non-existent. There was only consciousness and the colored lights.
I don't remember much about the ride back. There was movement, yes. But the path was only defined by a progression of rectangular fluorescent lights above me. Then we parked, and I was raised up to an angle more suitable for conversation.
"How do you feel?"
"I feel good."
"Would you like something to drink? Maybe some juice? You haven't eaten for a long time."
"Some juice would be nice. Cranberry if you have it."
"We do."
We all know about interchangeable lens cameras. But this was my first experience as an interchangeable lens human. My new optic is UV coated. Now that I've had a chance to test it, my review is positive.
Its color temperature is a bit cooler than the previous lens it replaced. I entertain myself by closing one eye, then the other, to see how they render scenes differently. My left eye is about 5800K, while my right is a warmer 5000K. These are only approximations, of course.
I marvel at a lot of things in life. But replacing a damaged lens and having me back to work within 24 hours just topped my list for the week. Incredible.
I'm no longer a one-eyed Jack. Thanks Doc. You're one helluva a repairman.
-Derrick