I began crying but amidst my tears, an idea came to my mind. I spoke to myself and said, “I should read about inspiring stories of individuals instead of focusing on the negative side of my situation”. I started typing again. I searched for famous blind people. You might say I am harebrained, but I need to feel better instead of crying over an eye. I came across Alice Walker’s profile and a few others. Alice Walker got my interest. The reason is: I have read most of her works. I am her fan.
Alice Walker is an African-American novelist best known for her novel The Colour Purple. When she was eight years old, she got shot in her right eye with a BB pellet while playing with her two brothers. After the incident, Alice Walker withdrew from the world around her. During an interview with John O’ Brien, which was published in Alice Walker (critical perspective; past and present) she said, “For a long time, I thought I was ugly and disfigured, this made me shy and timid. I often react to insults and slights that were not intended”. Her partial blindness caused her to withdraw, and she began writing poetry to ease her loneliness. She became very successful and focused at what she did. Alice Walker stopped tagging herself as a woman with one eye.
I came across Pataudi’s inspiring story. His full name is Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. He was the most charismatic cricketer of his generation. He lost one eye in a car accident before the age of twenty- two. His right eye was pierced by a shard of glass from the windscreen. Yet, he never made excuses nor involved in self-pity. His determination and success in overcoming the injury made him the captain of the Indian team. As captain, he led Indian to nine victories with vision in only one eye. He earned the name ‘Tiger’ from his adoring fans. Pataudi made us believe that India can win matches abroad. If he can do it, why can’t I?
I also read about the story of Chihuly Dale an American glass sculptor and entrepreneur. He is blind in his left eye, which happened while visiting England. He was involved in a car accident which left him blind in his left eye. During his interview, Dale said, “The loss of an eye was a transformative period for me and it took some months to recuperate”. Chihuly Dale never used this period to think of giving up what he had started before the accident. He wanted to be a glassblower and losing an eye did not make him think of giving up.
After a few moments of silence, I took a deep breath. I told myself I will not indulge in self-pity again. Although, this did not change my mind about going back to school; I became a hairstylist and excel in it. 💪💪
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