New glasses helped Jerry see the Invisible

A slight change for this week's blog: Jerry McFarland writes about his Christmas 1959.

Two weeks before Christmas in 1959, when I was eight years old, I was told I had poor vision. Surprised. I thought I could see just fine. Then came eye glasses, and my world changed forever.

That day would be like no other, for now all within my sight was alive. Like opening a chest of polished stones, wet after a new spring rain, light sparkled and danced on edges cut fine with detail. Trees had leaves, form and texture! Intricate lines and shading appeared where none were before.

The writing in my school books no longer appeared to be black abstract forms. I could even see the wrinkles in Mrs. Robinson’s face. I never knew she looked so old! Nothing was opaque or non-descript. Atoms and molecules, electric with vibration, mixed with colors of turquoise and blue and jumped off the glossy National Geographic page. A book of images taken by Ansel Adams, given me by grandma, was foreboding and strange; yet the eerie shadows fascinated and intrigued me. The desert rocks, arched canyons and streams were beautiful. It seemed as if I could touch and feel these objects with my new eyes. I had never known such a visual feast!

Then for a moment, I became sad as I reflected on all that had previously escaped my sight. How much was there that I had not seen, and what had I missed?

Joy soon replaced sadness, for now I had my new eyes. I had new purpose. I would never shut my eyes, I thought. And I wondered, how many other things do we believe are non-existent simply because our eyes do not see them? And in that crystalline moment, I felt certain there must be so many things human eyes cannot see that are real.

I pondered God’s miracles; what of angels, Jesus, and the devil? Maybe even Santa Claus and the elves were there, but just beyond my sight! It was no longer what I could see, but that which I could not! I was certain that most of what could not be seen, was good stuff: like Jesus and Santa!

I gave thanks to God for my new glasses. I was certain this was to be the best Christmas ever!

Jerry McFarland is a gifted musician, songwriter and recording artist who also turns his talents to writing. Songs from his latest CD, "Voices from the Attic" can be heard on Jerry's MySpace page and purchased on iTunes.

Life stories and family history can be preserved in all kinds of ways: Personal History Biography: Audio, Written or Video Memoir?