Don’t Take These Things For Granted

Simple Ula

7 years ago

Today, I’m getting very personal sharing my story that happened when I was 11 years old. I would love to take a minute and help you notice that there are things that we have each and every day to be grateful for.

We Are Lucky

First of all, how lucky you and I are to be living in this beautiful world?! 🙂 You have the ability to see all the beautiful surroundings. You can smell the tulips that will show up in spring. You still remember the taste of your mom’s favorite dish. You can hear when a person gives you a compliment. Last, but not least, you can hug a person you love and hold them tight.

It may seem that there’s nothing special about all of these senses, because everyone can have them (most of us). I’m telling you though, it is something to be very appreciative.

My Story

In 1999, when I was in primary school, I was playing with other kids on a long break in the school playground. Unfortunately, some of the boys and girls from my class came up with an idea to throw rocks at each other. I wasn’t playing with them, but I was close, too close.

It happened in a second when someone screamed so loud that I turned to see what was going on. At the same time, the rock hit my left eye.

As usual, I was saying, it’s ok and I’ll be ok. Nevertheless, my friends insisted on going to the school nurse. Being young and innocent, I had no idea what’s going on. My parents came to school and I’ll never forget my dad opening the door so rapidly and having tears in his eyes. My dad used to be an ambulance driver so he knows a little about medical emergencies. When I saw him like that, I knew that it’s not good. My mom hugged me so tight with (also) tears in her eyes.

I thought that I’ll go back to my class and everything will be normal. After a couple of minutes, I found out that I’ll be going to the hospital. I had never been to the hospital before, so I was terrified and asking my mom not to take me there.

I went to the hospital and doctors along with my parents were afraid that I won’t be able to see with, at least, this one eye. Just to be clear, they didn’t tell me that back then. Doctors were telling me to move as little as possible, because every move can affect both of my eyes, not only one. There were days I could barely see with both of my eyes. I’ll never forget this feeling. The nurses were using eyepatches to cover my eye so they will have strength to heal. It was very scary, but I was always full of hope and belief. Even though my parents and siblings seemed sad and afraid, I was doing what the doctors and my dad instructed me to do, which was reducing the movement. I remember when I overheard the conversation that my parents had with doctors and nurses outside the room that I’m like an angel – not moving at all, just lying on the bed.

Happy Ending

After over a week, I got out of the hospital with the ability to see. I had a bruise on my sclera for about a year and I couldn’t lift heavy things. Other than that, everything was ok. Everything was perfect.

When I am in a bad situation, I always believe that God is with me and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I’m so thankful and grateful each and every day that I’m healthy and I can see. It might sound trivial, but it means so much to me and that’s why in my bio on my Instagram @simple_ula, you can always see “grateful girl” :).