A Needless

Oh, yes indeed, there is inevitably macabre humor in every situation.

All who know know me, even remotely, are acutely well aware, I am prone to both needless anxiety and vivid imagination. As a youngster, to my Mother’s despair, I feared leprosy (then unknown on West 58th Street) as well as the possibility of encountering perilous animals, also extinct in our rather sedate Manhattan neighborhood.

Later in life, I was far too busy to spend much time wasted on senseless fears but now of course, my family is far flung. Temptations pop up rather unexpectedly.

This past weekend an unexpected trip to the local Emergency ward was necessitated by a decidedly negative reaction to my second COVID vaccine injection.

All went rather well, but as a precaution, the competent medical staff chose to keep me several nights.

The evening I departed unexpectedlyl for the hospital, I left my apartment rather hurriedly. I also asked for help in retrieving the eye glasses left on my desk. After settling in my assigned hospital room, I noticed the black framed glasses had been placed on the nearby bed table along with my other belongings.

Upon awakening I retrieved the glasses, picked up the nearby mobile phone and proceeded to dial my favorite daughter. I quickly realized that I was unable to read the dial, and also was shocked to realize I had the identical problem merely looking across the room.

Utter and unreasonable panic immediately ensued. I was aware the vital Covid vaccine had resulted in dehydration and nausea, but I hadn’t been alerted it could also damage eyesight.

I had already been advised I was about to be released from care. Consequently, I chose not to share this new problem rather awaiting to see my vision expert. My hospital caregivers had already relaxed after accurately evaluating my condition as a “reaction” rather than an illness. All the necessary documents allowing my release from care had been completed, and transportation was already in the hospital lobby waiting to provide my return home.

Having deciding to cope with one issue at a time, still my visible depression was quickly obvious to one and all in the vicinity. Before departing, gentle advice was administered by a professional regarding the availability for counseling after my year of Covid isolation and quarantine.

Nodding appropriately, I agreed it would be a forthcoming decision. Gratefully, I then returned home, still anxious ridden about the unexpected possibility of a further “reaction.”

Upon entering my apartment, I saw two pairs of glasses still intact on my desk. Since I only own two pair, the ones that I had been attempting to wear obviously never belonged to me.

Although they are identical, the glasses placed by my hospital bed ween’t mine.

Now, of course, I must locate the true owner, and somehow return their eyewear

The vital lesson for me, however, is far more about needless fear rather than optical supplies.

And, yes, I could hear my Mother’s voice again,