A weird mix of emotions run rampant in the waiting room among the believers, for we all want to taste a miracle. Several people that I spoke too were advised the LASIK procedure would not improve their vision; this I find very impressive because GLV would rather give their clients the truth instead of ringing the almighty cash register. Global Laser Vision Center offers a free introductory eye exam to see if your eyes qualify or not, which explains why it has such a following. The facility is clean, well organized, and the Optometry instruments are very advanced, reminding me of something out of Star Trek or the Jetsen's. If you are a candidate for the procedure, you are provided a GLV information packet to study, and a new appointment is conveniently scheduled for you; it's just that simple.

The next week, I arrived for my pre-set appointment and a second row of double check tests were conducted to reconfirm my exact vision and measurements. Next, I was moved to the pre-op waiting lounge where I remained in my street clothes, and I was provided a fanny pack with instructions and a nifty blue hair cap to boot. Medicated eye drops and Vicodin tablets are administered, and soon I felt very relaxed and ready to go. Before I could even say Jimmini Cricket, I was laying down on the ergonomic surgery table. I got a brief glimpse at the miracle Doctor Yaghouti behind his magic machines as I struggled to get out at least one or two words of hello before the procedures started. The well-oiled staff works quickly together in order to perform the many miracles that are scheduled today, and miraculously the surgery only takes minutes for both eyes. It seems the actual miracle happens after the Laser does its magic and things get a bit blurry. But the Laser is actually correcting your vision as everything goes suddenly black. With a splash of purified eye drop water over my eyes from the Doctor, a unique clarity comes forward that is astonishing; science sure is progressing at the speed of sound in the new Millennium. The procedure is virtually painless which left me somewhat perplexed; what no torture, no pain? As soon as the procedure is complete, Doctor Yaghouti beckons me to immediately rise and walk over to one of the modern eye machines to confirm his miracle work. With a polite smile and a soft voice, he say's, "left eye perfectright eye perfectcongratulations!" I am flabbergasted and don't know whether to thank him or drop to my knees and give him fifty Hail Mary's in astonished belief.

I am advised to come back tomorrow, and as I walked out of the surgery room with my eye protectors on, I headed towards the front waiting room area right thru the believers. I tossed my thick prescription glasses with scratched lenses into the large fish bowl that is filled with other client's old glasses, destined to find new homes. I kind of felt like Michael Jordan, who just made the last two second shot, "proud to have won the game" as the onlookers applauded with silent praise as they shook their heads in wondrous amazement hoping their time was soon to come. Although you feel very good, it is important that a designated driver is selected to drive you safely home after the surgery, for I was still a bit wobbly from the Vicodin. After a short nap at home, I awoke with my eye protectors still intact and began using the prescribed eye drops provided in my fanny pack. I have still experienced no pain from the miracle performed, and remain in awe at the thought of no pain to come.

The next day what the pre-op Doctor's told me was true; I could actually drive back to Global Laser Vision Center without the use of my cumbersome glasses or contact lenses. Waiting at the traffic light, I subconsciously chuckle to realize that I have not driven without prescription glasses in over twenty years! The traffic light turns to green and ironically the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" comes over the radio loud and clear. As I pulled into the GLV parking lot, a feeling of giddiness came over me that could not be controlled; a glorious feeling has engulfed me, leaving me so forgetful of the real world, I actually left my car keys on top of my car as I dashed into GLV to share with everyone my good news. Sight is a powerful thing, and everything I see, everywhere I turn, and everything I do, explodes with new colors, intensity and vivid realization.

As an Artist and Short Story writer, I can not ever recall painting, drawing or even writing without the use of my cumbersome glasses. I will not miss the lens scratches and smudges, the rain drops and lenses popping out, and being too blind to find my bent frame missing glasses; but I know for a time, I will miss the edgy blurriness I once called home, in all its distorted surrealism. This summer I eagerly await being able to stand in middle of the beautiful Carlsbad Flower Fields, filled with millions of Ranunculus Flowers reminiscent of the "Wizard of Oz" movie. Much gratefulness will shine on my face, as the warm California sun enraptures me to thank the Heavenly Stars above.

I found only one thing wrong with the LASIK procedure; too much of my life was wasted by not having the procedure done earlier in my life. Perhaps, as with all new technology pressing forth, the cost effectiveness will make it more affordable to the masses of hopeful believers. As our internal clocks continue to tick, and Medical advancements bring us further and further into a miraculous new era, we are left thinkingwhat next will come? Perhaps restoring vision to the blind is not so far fetched after all.

Last night on my second night home after surgery, I stood out on the Dictionary Hill hillside with my new eyes. The night time lights of the city and its cars are like a lava flow shrouded with Halo's of light, resembling floating Angel's in the night. My new night vision reminds me of one of Vincent Van Gogh's dreamy Starry Night paintings. I close my eyes for a few seconds to let my eyes relax and a childhood song comes to mind that I start to hymn. Starry, starry night, I wish I may, I wish I might My eyes then open to a most spectacular Universe filled with unsurpassed clarity and twinkling Stars. A window of opportunity has passed before me like a shooting Star, a miracle in disguise that I chose to explore. Mine eyes have now seen the glory of the Magical Mystery Tour of LASIK Technology, and so should your's.