Imagine waking up one morning to the realization that you are going to be suddenly and completely blind in a matter of weeks? This is what has happened to my son-in-law who has a type of Muscular Dystrophy (or is it Macular Dystrophy?) that affects the eyes and causes sudden irreversible blindness.
About six weeks ago I was devastated when my daughter told me about my son-in-law’s condition. One morning he woke up and realized that he could hardly see. Eye tests revealed that he had approximately 30% vision in both eyes.
He went for tests and more tests including a MRI, a Lumbar Punch, and various blood tests were done. Fortunately they ruled out the possibility of a Brain Tumour. Doctors have since found the cause, but his eyesight has degenerated to about 3% vision in only one eye during that short period.
I cannot try to imagine what he feels and how he copes. Imagine what it must be like for him knowing that he will never again see the dazzling sunlight, the splendour of a bird in flight or the colour of the trees in spring. Knowing that he will never again see the loving gaze in the eyes of his wife or mother.
My daughter telephoned this morning with the news that the left side now had zero vision. This afternoon I plucked up the courage to speak to him. What does a person to say? How do you find the right words?
All I could say was that through the eyes of love God sees him and that He cries with him every time he suffers because God loves him so much. He heals us and gives us strength in ways that we never expect or even imagine.
I told him that he should roll up his sleeves and start with his orientation skills training to help him adjust to his blindness. As a family we are all behind him tenderly loving him and giving him support when he needs it. I know that his faith, determination and will power will pull him through.
Inside my head I ask myself these questions. “How can a person survive when he cannot see? Is it not ironic that a teacher at a school for handicapped children should become handicapped himself? I wonder if even in his darkest moments he will find that place in his heart that will give him peace? I wonder whether he will keep laughter in his life? Laughter is a gift and a natural healing agent.”
Most of us have been given the gift of sight, but do we really use it? Do we truly appreciate the beautiful canvas that is our daily life? I don’t know about you but I’m really going to try to see the marvels of our world from now on. Anyway one day I might have to really describe these things to Son-o and how will I do that if I ‘m not truly looking?
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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