Sight

WOW! It’s difficult to convey my excitement as I catch the first fleeting glance of the Rocky Mountains through the window of our plane. Dusk and a setting sun silhouette them magnificently as we descend into Denver International Airport. The elusive sightings trigger a myriad of anticipations and fond memories.
Soon, we are in a crowd of Friday evening travelers as we look for that special Ford SUV that will reunite us with our son and two-year old grandson. What a joy to hug and be hugged by that muscular body toned by many volley ball games. Then I spot those dancing big blue eyes peering from the restraints of his car seat and I hear the heart melting words “Grandpa, Grandpa.” Soon we are joined in their suburban home by our daughter-in law after her hectic workday. It doesn’t get any better than this. I’m certain Shangri-La had nothing on what this weekend has in store for us! I am exhausted and soon slide the bedroom window open to welcome the cool dry breeze, the sounds of a distant pack of coyotes, and sweet dreams.
The next day brings more sights and anticipations. There is our dear friend who is my grandson’s favorite babysitter just like she was his father’s thirty years ago. Next comes perusing a carryout menu that kicks my taste buds into high gear with the sight of my favorite local sandwich, a “Veggie Bomb.” We will buy sandwiches to enjoy with my daughter-in-law in her new cake design shop as she takes a short break from hectic preparation for multiple weekend weddings.
The shop and consultation area are delightful. I even get an opportunity to go into the stainless steel production area behind the soft lavender elegance (complete with M&M’s in two shades of purple) that most brides-to-be see. (www.intricateicings.com) What an amazing treat to see the actual preparations amidst all the powdered sugar fineries.
Later that evening we were relaxing on the dimly lit patio. My daughter-in-law, who also has a medical background that specialized in “older folks,” leaned over to make a series of surprising inquiries. My bare feet were “hidden” under the patio table but she made repeated comments and inquiries about them. She actually touched them with her foot and asks if I could feel her touch. Finally, I got up and went into the light of the kitchen to check out what she was looking at. I got the shock of my life as I looked at my grey “dying” limbs. Both feet were ashen and I desperately wondered how that could be since a doctor had checked them both earlier in the week and detected good pulses. I can’t accurately tell you the progression of my thoughts that desperately went through my “dying” mind. Finally, my wife provided relief with some common sense and a damp towel. Her towel removed the ashen coating of dust or powdered sugar or “whatever” and a healthy tan reappeared to vanquish my fears.
Sight is wonderful and often provides wonderful mind treats. However, as my personal “heart in my throat” experience shows and illusionists such as Penn and Teller have proven perhaps “seeing shouldn’t always be believing.” I’ve learned that sight not only has its limitations, but it can be deceptive.