As I write this, I am in Berlin, Germany at the end of a two-week experimental treatment program to help restore my full eyesight.
I have done my share of traveling and I consider myself to be global in my thinking. But I struggled with the decision to seek treatment outside of the US. Germany in particular was high on my list of places to never visit after my experience during an eight-hour layover there years ago on my way to Turkey. It left a lasting impression that, for me, aligned with the history of the place.

I wasn’t as convinced about traveling to Germany as Hubby and our two sons. Then one morning while meditating, I heard the question, If the treatment were available in the US, would you have any hesitation? “No, of course not!’’ I answered. I had already traveled to the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic in pursuit of the best treatment for sub-cranial hypotension, which caused the nerve damage. None of the experts I visited could offer any hope for restoring my full eyesight. After prayer and meditation, I went to Berlin as an act of faith. My family was relieved to hear about my decision to move forward, and we began to take steps to make sure the clinic would accept us.
While the clinic welcomed us, I was still hesitant because I didn't want to be disappointed in the outcome. Here in the US, I visit an optical neurologist every six months only for them to tell me that they can do nothing to help. Yet in Berlin, meeting people from all over the world who are having similar (and some worse) vision challenges and engaging with doctors who have hope because they have seen success in helping to restore vision and heal optic nerves, became a balm. The doctors explained the science behind the treatment, and I met people who had successful treatments and were returning for a refresh. About 25 of us were there for treatment: three from the US and the rest from Romania, Sweden, India, England, and Australia.
The things I learned during the trip, and in the weeks since, are giving me new ways to view my journey. I went to Germany expecting a “zap” to my eyes. I wanted to have a miraculous experience and come back fully seeing. But that was unrealistic.