It's not uncommon. When googling "blind soldier" I came across articles, stories, videos and a plethora of online resources about soldiers who have been blinded by roadside bombs and similar attacks. Many of these stories are remarkable, like that Scotty Smiley
A man who while serving in Iraq was blinded, but has since acquired his Masters degree from Duke, become a father and continued to work with a positive attitude despite the adversity and challenges that come with the disability that he lives with.
My search also lead me to the story of another soldier whose injuries took his eyesight. Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg lost his sight while serving in Afghanistan in 2007. He has since become the first person to experience a new technology that gives visual cues via the tongue. It's amazing- and provides hope that technology and innovation can continue to remove barriers for the blind, especially to those who valiantly serve our country. http://gizmodo.com/5496898/a-blind-soldiers-sight-restored-through-his-tongue.
If you were to lose your vision suddenly, how would your goals change? From where would you draw your strength and hope? Do technological advancements make a difference in how you view your capabilities and your future?
I've wondered the same thing - would it be worse to be born blind, or to know what you're missing. I think there's an advantage is being born blind, due to the sense of identity and community. My heart breaks for these soldiers. I can't imagine the depression and anger they must feel, and have the utmost respect for those who prevail despite those initial emotions. There are so many amazing technologies out there, and I have no doubt that more will emerge. For me, the biggest loss would be reading.
ReplyDeleteLove this blog!
I watched a similar interview last week with a soldier who was injured and blinded. He is now running marathons and hoping to finish a triathalon soon. It was hard yet fascinating to watch. The obvious courage he possesses seems to have grown. The ability to overcome what we think are devastating injuries is always inspiring. I don't know how my goals would change but my appreciation for what I have certainly has. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteI love the compassion you show for so many people in this blog. I've often thought about this, and it's literally impossible for me to answer b/c I've always had the gift of sight. I can't imagine a world without nature's beautiful colors, the subtle emotional expressions of others, and the true gift of the look of love towards me in another's eyes. So, for me, it's impossible to even imagine what it's like not to have sight. But my guess is that the lives of those who are blind are rich in ways I'll never know. Do they consider people with sight as "blind" to so many senses and perceptions that they experience (and value) every day?
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