PEOPLE CROSSING or SO THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD LOOKS LIKE

In our home, with a new year comes new medical physicals. I like to get them all out of the way as soon as possible. This way, I don't have to think about medical appointments, dentists and/or eye appointments throughout the year. If you have a large family, this is one way to make sure everyone is seen at least once per year also, so there are no unknown conditions festering for too long.

This year we found out that Kole needs glasses. The ophthalmologist came to me after his exam to tell me that both eyes are affected. So, we had a chat with our 5 year old son and told him that he would need glasses. He was excited! LOL

A few days later, after a glitch was cleared up with our insurance, Kole and I made the 1.5 mile trek to our Doctor to pick out his glasses. He was very choosy. I had a pair that I liked but each time I handed them to him he would wave his hand and say, "No, I don't like these."

After a while, the technician came over to tell us about her favorite glasses for children. They bend, fold and smash without breaking. I very much like those but I didn't let on. She handed a few to Kole and after much time in the mirror he chose the glasses he wanted. No amount of ooohing and aaahing over other samples did anything to make him change his mind. So we bought the pair that cost money out of pocket, though only a small sum so I was obliged to pay the price above and beyond our insurance coverage.

After 1 week of waiting, yesterday, we got the call. Kole's glasses are in and waiting to be picked up. He bundled up ever so quickly and in the falling snow we trudged to the van. We arrived, he put on his glasses and smiled with such a smile as I have never seen. He was so quiet, though.

He hardly spoke a word. He answered the technicians questions with a nod or a wave but did not speak hardly at all. I was puzzled.



I chatted a bit with the doctor and ladies at the desk, then said our goodbye. I walked hand in hand with Kole out the door and to our van. He climbed in and put on his seat belt. As I contemplated why he was so quiet we pulled out onto the street. We had hardly gone a block when, from the back of our van, came a small voice...

"Mom, there's a two and a five on that sign."

"Yes, there is. That sign tells what price the gas is today."

Silence for a bit. We stop at a red light.

"Mom."

"Yes Kole, What's up?"

"I feel like my HEART has glasses. I think I'm so happy."

Immediate lump in my throat with slight tears in my eyes.

"I'm so happy that you are happy."

We turned the corner and drove to the next block.

"People Turning?! Why does that sign mean People Turning?"

"No honey, that sign means people are crossing the street. It means that I need to watch for people so we don't hit them."

"Oh"

And with that, the ride was over. In 1.5 miles I found out just how much our little Kole had missed in his 5 short years and just how much different the year 2009 will be for him.