Cricket Bidleman, a second-grader, won the 2006 Braille Challenge for her age group, sponsored by the Braille Institute of America. This is a wonderful accomplishment for a seven year-old, but for Cricket, it is even more impressive when you know her background.
Just three years ago, Cricket was adopted from an orphanage in China. Three million babies, mostly female, have been abandoned in China due to the law that families can have only one child. But because Xiao Jiu (her birth name) was also blind, her chances of finding a home seemed slim. But Sally and Cliff Bidleman found her and took her home to Southern California.
It took Cricket one month to learn English and three months to learn Braille--truly amazing by any standards.
I recently heard about the accomplishments of another young woman who is blind. She is a kindergarten teacher. It took her a long time to find a job because no one believed she could handle it with her "handicap". But she persevered, always believing in herself. Finally, someone took a chance on her. She has inspired and changed the attitudes of those she encounters and her students have tested higher than those in other classes. Her assistant in class marvels at how she can identify all the children without seeing them. The children in her class have learned valuable lessons about life and overcoming obstacles.
I overheard a man who had lost his sight say that he saw himself as fortunate for being blind because it forced him to focus on what was inside of people and not on their physical appearance.
There is something I call "spiritual sight". Those who may not see with their eyes can perceive life from a different perspective--a spiritual one. They can see through obstacles and see possibilities. They can see the potential and beauty within themselves and others. We all have this ability if we are open to it, claim it, and practice it. When we do that, life will never look the same to us again.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 5