tHE VERY DAY..

I was sent from my optometrist’s office in Jacksonville straight to UAB Callahan Eye Hospital in Birmingham for emergency eye surgery. My retina had detached, which meant the thin layer of tissue at the back of my eye—the part that captures light and sends signals to the brain—was pulling away from its proper place. Left untreated, it could have led to permanent vision loss.

The surgery involved placing a flexible band (called a scleral buckle) around the outside of my eye to gently push the wall of the eye inward. This relieved the tension and allowed the retina to reattach, much like re-securing film inside a camera so it can capture images again.

Speaking of a camera...

Think of the eye like an old-fashioned camera:

• I can change the lens (my glasses or contacts).

• I can recharge the battery supply (my energy, my health habits, sleep).

• But when my film (the retina) came apart from the camera, no picture could be made—no matter how good the lens or the battery was.

That’s what happened to me. My retina—the “film” of my eye—separated. And the surgery was the delicate process of putting it back in place so the eye could “capture images” again.

The Recovery Process

The operation was successful, but recovery has been slow and ongoing. I have not regained full vision, but I am seeing things from a new perspective. Before the surgery, I was pushing myself through 12-14-hour days, pouring everything into my work without leaving time to refuel.

It wasn’t until after the surgery that I realized: I had been running on empty for a long time. My body finally forced me to stop, and in that stillness, I had to confront the truth—I had been neglecting my own health.

The mental and emotional toll was real. I faced discouragement, frustration, shame, and fear, and I found myself depressed and at one of the lowest points of my life. But with time, patience, and support, I began to find hope and strength again.

The Lesson: Rest, Boundaries, and Renewal

This journey has taught me something that I not only share with my clients but now practice myself: rest is not weakness, and boundaries are not selfish—they are necessary.

I am now taking new precautions to preserve my own health and boundaries without shame. I’ve learned that constantly pushing myself is unsustainable long term. Healing requires not just medical treatment but also a shift in mindset—choosing balance over burnout and giving myself permission to rest.

Moving Forward with Gratitude

Today, I am still recovering, but with a renewed sense of gratitude. I am thankful for my optometrist, who caught the detachment in time. I am thankful for the skilled team at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, who acted quickly to preserve my sight. I am thankful for Retina Specialist of Alabama for my continuous care post-op. I am thankful for my family, my faith, and my clients who supported me during this season.

The fact that this all happened on my late grandmother’s birthday makes it even more meaningful. The memory of her resilience inspires me to honor her legacy by living differently—with clearer priorities, stronger boundaries, and deeper appreciation for life itself. She prepared me for who I am today. 

And importantly, I want to thank my clients. Your patience, understanding, and support during my recovery have meant more than words can express. What felt like an interruption in my journey became a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and grace. At All Is Well Counseling, I believe we are more than just a practice — we are a family. A family built on compassion, trust, and hope. While each of you and your sessions remain fully confidential, the sense of connection and care we share here is what makes everything meaningful.

A Reflection for You

As I reflect on this journey, I invite you to consider:

• Have you been running on “E” without realizing it?

• Where can you give yourself permission to rest and recharge?

• How can you begin setting boundaries without guilt or shame, so you can preserve your own health?

Conclusion

My emergency retinal surgery was one of the hardest experiences I’ve faced. I have never had a major surgery done before. I was never put under anesthesia. I was terrified. It showed me that I'm not immune to struggle due to my licensure. It stripped away the illusion that I could keep working without pause. It taught me that healing is not optional—it’s essential.

I may not have regained full vision, but I now see life with greater clarity: rest is vital, boundaries are healthy, and self-care is not selfish—it’s survival.

Like a camera with its film restored, I’m learning to capture life again—this time with focus on what truly matters.

FAQs

1. What is a scleral buckle surgery?
It’s a procedure used to repair a detached retina by placing a silicone band around the eye to relieve tension and allow the retina to reattach.

2. Why did you need emergency surgery?
A retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. My optometrist caught it in time and sent me to UAB Callahan Eye Hospital the same day.

3. Did you regain full vision?
No, I haven’t regained full vision. But I am learning to live with a new perspective—physically and mentally.

4. How did this affect your mental health?
The surgery and recovery process were some of the hardest moments I’ve faced. Naturally, I struggle, and I am human. I felt depressed, discouraged, and hit a deep low point, but over time I’ve gained strength, perspective, and gratitude.

5. What changes have you made since the surgery?
I’ve learned to set clearer boundaries, pace myself, and prioritize rest and self-care without shame. This shift has given me healthier balance in both my personal life and professional practice.

6. What lesson do you want others to take away?
That healing is not a detour—it’s part of the journey. Don’t wait until you’re on empty to rest. Boundaries and self-care aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for a full and healthy life.