Blinded

Mary


Neti Pot


So, I'm watching Little House on the Prairie yesterday. This is not an unusual occurrence. I LOVE Little House on the Prairie, and I'm not afraid to say it. Yesterday, Mary was sure her sight was returning. I wasn't as convinced. After all, I've seen this episode at least 37 times. We all know it was just her mind playing tricks on her. Get real, Mary! Anyhow...During a commercial break, I decided to address a minor cold with a little action from my neti pot.

For those of you who have never heard of a neti pot, allow me to give a quick explanation. The neti pot looks similar to a small teapot and is filled with a saline solution that can be poured through your sinuses. You literally turn your head, pour the solution into one nostril, and allow the saline to come out the other side. It's an attractive process. There is also the option to add a drop or two of aromatherapy to the solution. There are an assortment of products available, but I usually choose to add a bit of eucalyptus to the mix. Yesterday, I accidentally added 6 or 7 drops of eucalyptus to my saline solution instead of the recommended one or two. At this point, I SHOULD HAVE poured it out and started over again. But, I didn't. What can I say? The commercial was over, and Mary was awaiting her test results. There was no time for starting over.

So, I quickly proceeded to begin the miserable process that might have once been a form of Japanese torture. I'm not sure. Now, I'm not saying the unfortunate overdose of eucalyptus made a difference, but it only took a few seconds for me to wonder if I might be joining Adam and Mary at the blind school. I couldn't breathe. I cried as if Simon Birch had killed Ashley Judd all over again. I was sure I had singed every fiber of my being and would never again be the same. I stammered from one side of the kitchen to the other contemplating whether paramedics should be contacted. It was a pain I had never known before, and it didn't end quickly.

At some point during my agonizing fight for life, I decided I needed to finish my mango flavored Mix One drink. I don't know why. I guess I was just thirsty. Mysteriously, it seemed to act as a neutralizer to the prolonged burning sensation. I couldn't finish it fast enough. Within minutes, I was experiencing what Mary could only hope for...I COULD SEE. And, it wasn't my imagination. It was real. I could see the old Edward's house that Laura and Albert had painted for my homecoming. I could see Ma waiting for me at Nellie's. And, I could see Hester Sue and the other blind children. Suddenly, all was right with the world. I had a new lease on life...which was a good thing because it was just about time for another episode of Little House on the Prairie.