My husband and I are both legally blind, but own a business that keeps us hopping along with our family life. Since we cannot drive, it is necessary to rely on people or public transportation to get us where we need to go. That is not always an easy task since most others are just as busy as we are. Fortunately I have a very good friend who not only generously offers rides, but also loves to go shopping (a true treat for me!).
Jill and I spend a lot of time with each other and also attend social groups and church together. People always tease us about being the terrible twosome, double trouble, and all the other jabs they can think of to call us. We also like to tease each other and she will threaten to not take me places or provide transportation for me anymore. One day in the midst of a shopping spree she pulled the old threat out and said she’d leave me at the mall. Without thinking, I blurted out, “You can’t. We’re related through carriage!”
When I first lost my vision at age 21, a very wise man gave me some great advice. I was worried about getting around and how I would function. He said, “You just put one foot in front of the other.” That sticks with me to this day. Some days the feet go a lot faster than I wish they had to, some days they trip over toys, and some days between my husband and myself it’s simply the blind leading the blind (pun definitely intended!).
Blindness has its disadvantages, but it certainly doesn’t have to slow you down. Sometimes I wish it would! Being pulled in different ways isn’t a unique experience by any stretch, but how many people can literally say, “ I just don’t know if I’m coming or going?!?”
I like it linda. Nice work
John, March 6 2007TO KNOW THIS PERSON IS A GREAT PRIVLEDGE, SHE IS TRULEY AN INSPIRING SPIRIT. WHAT SHE GOES THROUGH IN A SINGLE DAY MAKES MY WORST DAY LOOK LIKE A WALK IN THE PARK, BUT SHE IS ALWAYS CHEERFUL, VERY CARING AND GIVING. SHE REALLY LISTENS TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, A PERSON THAT WILL REALLY LISTEN IS A PERSON THAT CAN GIVE THE MOST. MOST PEOPLE LOOK OUR WHOLE LIFE TO OFFER SOMETHING THIS GENUINE, BUT SHE HAS ALREADY SEEN IT.
gale Brown, March 6 2007This is a very stong woman.
She is to be applauded for not just sitting around and feeling sorry for herself.
Hooray.
I have known Linda for several years. She has had some serious health issues, but always bounces back. Linda is friendly and always has a smile. If I were the judge, I’d give her a “10″.
Donna Seliger, March 6 2007I couldn’t agree more with the other comments that I have read about the author. She has personally inspired me on more than one occasion in my life. I have spent many hours wondering how a person who has been through so much (more than just blindness!) can still have such a wonderfully optimistic outlook! Two thumbs, way UP!
Rick Kehler, March 6 2007I have known Linda for about 10 years. She is the most upbeat, jovial people I know. In addition to Linda’s blindness, she also has diabetes & a condition that makes her bones very brittle. Linda has spent many, many weeks in orthopaedic boots, casts, and sometimes she has been restricted to using a wheelchair to get around. That doesn’t stop her from coming to work and still having that great smile on her face. If you don’t know her, you don’t know what a great person you are missing. Great essay, Linda!!
Joyce Castell, March 7 2007I really enjoyed your essay Linda
Joelle, March 7 2007Linda makes our lives richer by being in our building. She always has time for her patrons with a smile, friendly voice, and attitude. Way to go!
Marilyn Jensen, March 7 2007I have known Linda for a few years, and I’ve come to know that nothing gets in her way. She has health issues to deal with almost on a daily basis. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. Linda is an ispiratin to me, she’s a fighter, she refuses to give up, or give in. She’s also a very caring and compassionate person. I’m honored to have her as a friend.
Jodi George, March 7 2007Linda always has a smile on her face along with a friendly “hello” to everyone in the mornings. She is a very caring person and the work that she does is very much appreciated by all.
Liz Shore, March 7 2007I have known Linda all my life. I guess you could say we are ‘Related through marriage’ haha, on different sides of the ‘family fence’! Linda is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known! I remember her babysitting me, and our ‘cousins in common’, and one time she told us that if we didn’t settle down, she was gonna beat us with a wet noodle. Well, being the brats we are, of course we continued to misbehave and she literally went and got a noodle, ran it under the faucet and came after us. I always remember that when I think of you Linda, to this day that story makes me laugh till I cry.
Loved your essay! Got my vote!!
As always, I love your writing talent.
Aunt Carla, March 7 2007Great job Linda……..You are a special gift to this world…..
Theresa Cameron, March 7 2007A NOTE FROM LINDA…
I am overwhelmed by all of you who have voted for my essay and each of your loving comments. What wonderful friends and family I am blessed with and a special thanks to those who don’t even know me, but chose to vote anyway. I entered this essay to help people understand the strengths and ordinariness of people who are considered disabled. I come away from this contest understanding the bonds we all share and the loving spirit that exists in our world. Win or lose - all my thanks!
I haven’t known you long and the more I get to know you the more I am glad we are friends. Thanks for allowing me to be part of this event. I hope you win.
Dani Seals, March 8 2007I am “only her mother” but I totally agree with all being said. She has made my motherly duties soo much easier!!
ROLINE FENTON, March 8 2007I don’t know Linda at all, but I enjoyed her story. I applaud her courage and her strength. She would be someone I would like to know. The people who have written in the comment sectionare very blessed that she calls them friend. Thank you Linda for your essay. Got my vote!!!!
Judy Looney, March 8 2007I don’t know her personally, but she sounds like someone I would love to call a friend.
Jim G, March 8 2007Linda, When I grow up I want to have your attitude and sense of humor about life in general. Knowing you makes me smile. I love your essay, We know you have talent and you use it well.
Sue Grogan, March 8 2007Linda is such a vibrant spirit, most of the time I forget that she has any vision problems at all. She takes on challenges because things need doing more willingly then many people who would have a much easy time of doing them and more time to do them. Thanks for being you Linda.
Shellie D., March 8 2007I have known Linda for several years, and I agree with every word written. Each time I see her she has a smile on her face and always ready to laugh with us in the clinic. Even on her worst days she is still up beat!
Jessica Carlson, March 8 2007It is a pleasure to know Linda and Kevin. I hope she wins the contest.
Teri Taylor, March 10 2007Wow! what a great inspiration this story is. Good luck.
Patsy, March 11 2007Linda is a true friend. Even though she has had so many obstacles she remains selfless when someone else is in need. She has a heart of gold and I am honored to have her in my life.
Angie Respess, March 12 2007
I know this person and she is exactly like described and it would be great boost to her and her freinds if she were to win
Keith Willson, March 6 2007