A few minutes of fear

At twenty-two years old, I made the decision to have eye surgery. My eyesight was shrinking and I couldn’t see clearly a few meters away. My parents and I were anxious about my illness, and we took the recommendation of many reputable surgeons. Everyone advised that surgery was the only solution to my problem.

For days I was nervous about this surgery. It had to do with my eyes; nothing is more important than the eyes. I should have had faith in the surgeons and relaxed myself. I didn’t know if the Saints would help me, but I should have made a try. I prayed every night before I went to sleep: “Holy Father, help me; give me the strength to get over this barrier”.

The time had come for me, when I laid down on the hospital bed. I was so afraid... I didn’t notice when I slept. The medicine which the anesthesiologist gave to me was powerful. When I woke up, I didn’t realize how much time had passed. It felt like ages... But the terrifying moment hadn’t come, yet.

I was hearing the voices of the surgeons: “Jimmy, are you awake? Jimmy are you listening?” I couldn’t open my eyes! I tried to move, but the surgeons told me that I had to stay still. I couldn’t even speak! Those moments were the worst experience of my life. I didn’t know what to think... I saw only a black screen in front of me; a pitch black image was spread all over my mind. A burning sensation came upon me. “Am I blind? Did the surgery succeed?” I could not tell. These scary minutes lasted for an eternity...

Luckily, that sensation was temporary, and a few moments later, I could see the surgeons approaching me with a big smile: “You did your best, Jimmy!” Suddenly, I felt the desire to cry. Really, I did my best...