Nothing Wrong with Being Blind

Not everyone is willing to jump out of a perfectly good airplane to sky dive, but if that plane had mechanical issues, I bet you would jump. Whether you are newly diagnosed with vision loss, have perfect vision or have been blind for a while, experiencing blindness is kind of the same thing, when you have to, you will jump. 

For the last 20 years, I have listened to Uber drivers, bus riders or unsolicited conversations where people would say “I would kill myself if I lost my vision.”  My first thought is how sad for that person, their family, and friends. Then I think, am I, my colleagues, or my community less than or not worthy of living?

Sure, I have experienced different stages in my journey to blindness where I was uncertain as to how I would realize my responsibilities as a husband and a father.  As I quickly found out, there was no option , I had to jump into this life as a person who is blind.  This meant changing my narrative, learning independent living, orientation & mobility skills. Learning how to operate a computer using assistive technology and most importantly being there for my family.

Seeing the world through my eyes has in many ways enhanced my life. I believe my relationship with my family and friends is stronger. I have grown more confident in my abilities which has led me to a job where I can “change the perception of blindness: one conversation at a time.” 

Every day I see my peers who are blind working to support themselves and their families, gaining independence and self-worth. I read articles of people who are blind achieving personal goals such as climbing mountains, finishing law school, becoming motivational speakers and CEO’s of multi-million-dollar organization.  How is this not living?

The truth is, if you close your eyes (disclaimer: not while operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery) for a moment. Are you still a husband/wife? Are you still a son/daughter? Are you still a brother/sister? Just because you cannot see does not change who you are or mean that you do not have something to contribute to society.   Blindness is not a death sentence.