I am writing this from the waiting room in a Paris clinic, while Jordana's about to have lasic eye surgery. She's sitting in a closet-like cubicle in a massage chair "relaxing." She's being very brave about this procedure. Having worn glasses or contacts since she was a child, she's ready to ditch the glasses - even when they're very stylish frames. The surgery is an early graduation present.
Meanwhile, my friend Gabrielle got up at the crack of dawn to drive from her home near Versailles to Charles de Gaulle. All this to pick up Jordana's boyfriend Keith, arriving on a flight from Boston. So it's quite an eventful day for our household - and truth be told, a little nerve-wracking. Did I mention I haven't met the boyfriend?
Alas, there's been a delay in the surgery scheduled before Jordana's. The doctor is here, but the operating room isn't available. This means more anxiety for Jordana; we weren't to know by the time the surgery begins, she will have waited more than 90 minutes in that little cubicle, listening to noises, footsteps and snatches of conversation all around her. So much for the "relaxed" intent of the massage chair.
A grown woman sitting on a banquette facing me is playing a videogame - a noisy videogame, which does not help to promote a calm atmosphere, when everyone's tense - with one exception. The guy she's accompanied has fallen asleep in his cubicle, while waiting for surgery. She's taken a photo of him on her cameraphone, no doubt to tease him later. This reinforces my theory that men can sleep through anything, because it's a very lively place.
Then the woman's portable phone rings and a loud conversation ensues among the caller, the (now wide-awake) guy in the cubicle and the woman in the waiting area. I am ready to scream. I take Jordana a magazine and tell her she has to wait a bit longer. She isn't happy.
High anxiety
fueled by loud technology;
the wrong time and place.
Gabrielle leaves me a voicemail to say "the bird is in its cage." Later I discover not only did she pick up Jordana's boyfriend at the airport, she took him out for coffee and croissants. She said Keith was sweet and charming and "very excited to see Jordana and anxious about meeting you." I decide Gabrielle is a saint.
At last they take Jordana off for surgery. I've watched two guys who were wearing glasses pre-surgery, come out smiling, sans lunettes. This gives me hope that the surgery won't have the after-effects I've been worried about, although I know it isn't a walk in the park - something Jordana's convinced herself it will be.
Later, Jordana comes out of surgery squinting and feeling unwell. The doctor assures us all is fine. He said Jordana will experience some pain and a burning sensation for about four hours and should use special eyedrops, every time she wants to touch or rub her eyes. The receptionist phones a taxi and Jordana keeps her eyes shut all the way home. In between regaling me with horror stories about the surgery itself, she asks how far from home we are. I try to soothe her by reciting familiar landmarks; 15 minutes, 10 minutes, two more blocks until we arrive. She holds on to me and keeps her eyes closed, opening them only briefly to throw her arms around Keith.
Keith and I introduce ourselves briefly. He's taller than I expected. Still wearing my coat, I get Jordana's eye drops, to alleviate the burning sensation. She puts on her sunglasses, then sits in a dark room while I fix a late lunch. When the food is ready, she asks me to lower the blinds, so the dining room will be in half-light and she keeps her sunglasses on. I threaten to take a picture; she is not amused.
A little while later, David phones and I tell him I have to call him back, as "I'm taping Jordana up." She and I both have a good laugh at how this sounds. After I taped protective plastic lenses over her eyes, she's sleeping. It is hoped when she wakes up, she'll be feeling much better. Tomorrow is her birthday and we start the day at the opthamologist's office for a post-op check-up.
And the boyfriend? I'm happy to report, so far, so good!
Update 6:40 p.m. - Jordana's feeling much better and is walking around exclaiming, "I can see, I can see! It's amazing!"
Photo of "Christiana" floralina doll designed by the fabulously-talented Constance Muller.
My friend took me along when she had hers done. We stayed in a hotel in Vancouver next to the clinic. I administered drops in her eyes frequently during the after care! We had so many giggles as she walked down the street with those big protective goggles. She was so grateful to have it done! On occasion her tear ducts get dry and she re lubricates them with drops. She loves being able to see with out glasses! Very nice that your daughter could get them done as such a young age!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: giggles | 20 December 2007 at 12:56
I'm glad I read your last post before this one and I saw Jordana smiling and looking fine so it seems the surgery is just a bad souvenir .
Wonderful that you met Keith and your daughter has her loved boyfriend with her
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 20 December 2007 at 10:12
My husband had this surgery a few months ago and it's unbelievable that he doesn't wear glasses anymore. Best of Luck to Jordana, her sight will improve daily. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: robyn | 19 December 2007 at 17:48
Thank goodness the surgery went well after all the anxiety while waiting for it. Even knowing about all that one has to go through (not even speaking about the cost), it sounds quite tempting to get a 20/20 vision back!
All the best to all of you,
and remember boyfriends are some other woman's kid,
they are just as axious as you,
hugs,
Merisi
Posted by: Merisi's | 19 December 2007 at 13:57
As a glasses wearer myself I am *fascinated* by the idea of an operation fixing my eyes, but then, I rather like my current glasses! So glad the operation went well and that the boyfriend turned out to be nice! :)
Sarah
Posted by: Passementerie | 19 December 2007 at 13:19
Happy Birthday Jordana on the 19th! My daughter's birthday is on the 20th.
I am glad the surgery went smoothly (good recount Tara,) and that you are healing well.
What a wonderful Christmas to be surrounded by love!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 19 December 2007 at 08:59
Wow! That just IS amazing! I simply can't imagine, after all those years. Maybe I should do it...
Happy the boy-friend is sweet. :)
:)
Posted by: Amber | 19 December 2007 at 07:22
Glad the surgery went well. Great account, by the way.
Posted by: judy wilkenfeld | 19 December 2007 at 06:22
whoa! what a day! and of course i would love to have my way with your scientific globes. i mean that in the most respectful way of course!
Posted by: designdna | 19 December 2007 at 06:11
Oh, this is just remarkable, I am thinking maybe to do the surgery, but very anxious, so good to hear it has turned out well, and best wishes to the December birthday girl!
Seasons Greetings!
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra Evertson | 19 December 2007 at 04:04
...sorry, nearly forgot!
Happy Birthday Jordana! Enjoy your day! Yay the surgery is over.
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 19 December 2007 at 03:52
What an eventful day, for sure!!! Oh Jordana can see I am so happy!!! Having to wear glasses stinks! (I love mine, they are for reading! ;D )
Oh and the anxiety you must have felt while she was in there. Some people in waiting rooms have no clue, do they? No empathy whatsoever. Even if they feel fine, why assume everyone feels fine? Crazy!
Gabrielle is indeed a saint, but what are friends for? You must be glad this day is fini!
And Jordana, sans lunettes! Very good!
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 19 December 2007 at 03:50
Oh, and happy birthday to beautiful Jordana! I just posted a longish comment and it hasn't appeared, but maybe you're screening comments now.
Yay so far!
Xoxo,
Louise
Posted by: Laura | 19 December 2007 at 02:48
The surgery! The boyfriend! I remember hearing about these with you two in September---and now both have materialized and all is well! Whew. I can attest to the fact that Jordana's glasses were very chic, but I'm sure she feels so much better with no eyeglasses at all. Congratulations on all fronts! Hope things continue to go well.
Xoox,
Louise
Posted by: Laura | 19 December 2007 at 02:45
Sigh! This was such a beautifully written post about a remarkable day in your lives.
Posted by: fleur | 19 December 2007 at 02:40
Quite a day for all of you! Probably not the most opportune of days for Keith to arrive - but I'm sure Jordana is glad to have him there :)
I hope her recovery proceeds smoothly. I'd love to have that surgery myself. I've been wearing glasses/contacts for 42 years! Egad.
Posted by: Becca | 19 December 2007 at 01:56
Just realised that's one of Constance's dols. Isn't she one talented lady. She did me a bunch of grapes for Ghost Furniture and they are FABULOUS!
Posted by: Di Overton | 19 December 2007 at 01:06
Happy Happy Birthday Jordana!! Greg had this surgery and loves it, even years later..he can see! She will be thrilled to have gone through, easy for me to say...
I'm sure the boyfriend is sweet as can be if Jordana likes him...AND, oh Constance is absolutely the sweetest person to bestow this very lovely gift on you!! Most deserving.
x...x
Posted by: stephanie | 19 December 2007 at 00:21
OH MY GOSSSSSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVed this story! I was smiling and getting all goooosebumpy!!! I need more details!! ;) I am so happy for gorgeous Miss J, will you tell her I send huge hugs!!!!!! xoxoxoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 19 December 2007 at 00:00
Oh, what a tense day it must have been for you all! I'm glad everything went well for Jordana, the boyfriend, your sweet friend - and poor mama you! How nerve-wracking...
Wishing Jordana a very happy birthday - and you, a much more relaxed day of celebration - and getting to know that young man who's come calling :)
Bisous~xOxOxO
Posted by: tinker | 18 December 2007 at 23:41
Dear Tara,
Happy early Birthday Jordana!!
What a day you all had!! So glad Keith can be there too.
It doesn't surprise me that you like him ;-).
My hope is that, as you read this comment your sweet girl is feeling a tremendous amount better!! Please report tomorrow!
St. Gabriella is a good Saint and a kind friend!!
Christana looks happy there with you Tara!!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 18 December 2007 at 23:27
I recognized your floraline doll as one of Constance's beauties!! It makes my heart happy when delightful people have wonderful talent!
Posted by: sherry | 18 December 2007 at 22:46
Oh you've had more than a stressful day Tara...you have had the Ultimate stress day...waiting for surgery, worrying about the surgery, monitoring Jordanna post surgery and meeting the man in her life!!!! Your friend Gabriella is a saint indeed (everyone needs a friend like this!), and I'm so glad you like Keith. And David's reaction has been???
Wonderful, wonderful that the surgery has been a success...a lovely gift indeed. You gave her life, you gave her sight and for early graduation you have given her better sight. You are a wonderful mother!!
As for all that waiting at the hospital..it is so unnerving and when people have cell phones ringing in hospitals? That makes me crazy!!
Enjoy the stop post op tomorrow and I hope you are having lovely lunch or dinner out to celebrate Jordanna's birthday!
Posted by: sherry | 18 December 2007 at 22:44
Love you
Posted by: Jeanne | 18 December 2007 at 22:23
Blessings to both you and Jordana.
Have a nice birthday tomorrow :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 18 December 2007 at 21:02
How scary, wonderful, stressful and generous. The gift of sight would be hard to top. ;) Ok, I want details on the boyfriend. Tell Jordana Happy Birthday and congrats...woohoo!
BIG HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 18 December 2007 at 20:40
I like that through all that anxiety you were able to write a haiku. Very happy to hear that she's doing well and can see without her glasses.
Posted by: Madeline | 18 December 2007 at 20:21
I'm happy that the surgery went well. Enjoy the visit with le boyfriend. :-)
Posted by: Kimberly Ann | 18 December 2007 at 19:35
Jordana will be fine and will be delighted with the results. I had this surgery a few years ago in my 40s to fix severe myopia. I was, and still am amazed, every morning when I wake up and can see clearly! It will take a few days for her vision to clear up completely. It's a great feeling. What a day for your family!
Posted by: RD | 18 December 2007 at 19:16
So happy she can see better. This surgery, from all I've heard, is truly a miracle for those who can benefit from it (and afford it). Alas, MY eyesight problems (aging forcing me to use reading glasses now as I can no longer read anything without them) cannot be fixed by this procedure, because if it could, I'd be saving my pennies for sure. What a great gift for Jordana!
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 18 December 2007 at 19:09
I'm glad the surgery went well and what a lovely present! And I'm happy to hear you like her boyfriend - it sounds like the start of a lovely holiday. xo
Posted by: kristen | 18 December 2007 at 18:20
I'm glad the surgery went well -- I know many people who swear it was the best thing they ever did. And now you can relax and have a lovely visit with your daughter and get to know her new boyfriend.
Posted by: materfamilias | 18 December 2007 at 17:26
Do you know the best thing about your stories of your home is that I can picture you there - after our visit.
I do hope Jordana makes a speedy recovery and wish her a happy birthday from us.
As far as the boyfriend goes don't keep staring at him or he may think you fancy him :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 18 December 2007 at 17:25