After 20 years of companionship, I am afraid it is time to say our goodbyes.  It has been fun…in a painful sort of way, wearing you on the bridge of my nose for so long.

I remember our first encounter, in that optical center at Sears.  It was the summer before 7th grade.  You allowed me to see again and I was adorned in your blue plastic framed, fashionably-impaired glory.  Let’s not go into the fact that you covered half my face.  It is a poignant, painful memory.

You were my constant companion during my adolescence and early teenage years.  You were no small part in my angst-ridden “how do I look” and “do I fit in” attitude.  You finally were upgraded when I could not pass the eye exam to receive my driver’s permit, which apparently proved to my mother I was not lying when I said I couldn’t see anything.  Ah, then I could see again…with a bonus.  I got contacts!

We parted ways for a time.  You only emerged during the nocturnal time when the dreaded contacts tired my poor eyes.  I’m sure you were jealous of those zany contacts and all the attention they received.  Their life seemed so glamourous, but you bided your time.  Knowing that once again, you would be needed.

When I started staring at a computer screen and financial documents 10-12 hours a day, you again were constantly with me.  Except for when I wanted to look “pretty”.  Your strong suit was definitely not looks.  I’m sorry to break it to you, but I am being truthful here.  No, you never saw much of the inside of bars or nice restaurants.

Then came the time of your abuse.  Babies.  Oh how many times were you struck off my face and flung upon the floor.  So scratched and marred you were from the little devils.  Sometimes they only smeared their peanut butter coated fingers on you…ah, how you cursed your lot in life! 

And so now, the time has come to part ways again.  Oh yes, we may again become companions when I get old and my eyes are weak.  Then you may help me read menus with small print and an occasional book.  Until then…

Adieu.                

Wish me luck…I’m going under the laser today!  I will be out of commission for a few days…apparently I need to rest my eyes from staring at a computer.  This is going to be hard!