Blink

Up until today, I cannot recall a time when I had to remind myself to blink.  For the most of us, it’s something that happens naturally. That is, until I had a bout with Bell’s palsy, (a paralysis on the right side of my face). The painful eye symptom which accompanied my paralysis was one that my right eye didn’t close, or tear, and my vision was blurred. That led me to visit my Optometrist, who then immediately recommended me to an Ophthalmologist, for further examination.  After a meticulous examination, he put me on oral anti-viral and antibiotic ointments and eye drops. However, something larger stood out beside my treatment.     

My doctor gave me explicit instructions on how to remind myself to blink.  While he explained that the paralysis also affected the muscles that controlled my blinking and tear production.  He then went on and took his time to say to me, “Whenever you read, or seem preoccupied; remember to blink."  He said, “It may take a little effort at first, and you’ll blink seconds after you remind yourself."  He continued to demonstrate the process by showing me how the natural blink follows through by my awareness of closing it.  And it certainly did.  After several weeks of therapy, the dynamic talk from my doctor was an enlightening experience for me. Slowly, but surely, and one blink at a time, the muscles in my face responded miraculously. Even though I felt secure hearing that Bell’s palsy has been known to have a full recovery 99 % of the times.  I feel that my sight returned to normal through my doctor’s meticulous care.  And especially, his extraordinary insightfulness that reminded me to blink.      

I had my last follow-up visit this morning. My doctor assured me that my blinking was back to normal, as well as my eye returning to healthy vision and tears.  When I thanked him for reminding me to blink, and that it was the most powerful part of my therapy, he smiled.  He responded that it wasn’t something he recalled having coursed beforehand. While he was just as pleased that his instructions were, perhaps, a part of my rapid recovery.            

Sometimes, when things are taken from us; we only then notice their absence. And that we may have taken things for granted, instead of the vital purpose of our muscles, sight, tears, and blinking. However now, in a more lucid timely grace, I am aware of my blink as a wink from God. 

May I remain forever grateful with tears of joy welled deep within my heart.               

Thank you, Doctor. ;-) ~ Catherine Nagle.