Vision Had and Vision Lost

Vision had and vision lost is the phrase I use to describe so many persons who were either born fully sighted and have lost it afterwards, or those who were born with some vision but lost it later on. No matter how you look at it, this type of person has had to suffer so many setbacks. Some persons have managed to overcome this great loss and move on, but for others they struggle with the loss for their entire life. For me, I was born with precious little, gained a tremendous amount when I was a teen, and then lost almost all of it a little over five years ago.

Many doctors have called my situation unique because there are not too many people who have been able to gain sight after being born with very little. So in so many ways, I know what it is like to have and have lost. For me, it has been one of the bitterest pills to swallow; yet when I think of those who were born with it and lost it later on, it must be even more difficult for them. For the teen, for the adult, and for the senior; there are different sets of challenges for each group to face.

I have met teens who became blind in their teens and struggle with so many things. One minute they are on top of the world as carefree teens, and the next their world has been shattered to bits and they suddenly find themselves having to cope with darkness, so to speak, and learning new and challenging things. In addition, many of them find themselves without sighted friends and have to learn to cope in a new social circle.

I have met adults who have lost their vision as adults and for them it is an uphill struggle to cope. Some have lost their spouses after becoming blind. Others have lost their jobs because their employers did not want to keep them on. Still others have lost their ability to enjoy their favorite pastimes and have had to readjust. For seniors, the challenges are still different. Having to cope with loss of vision as a senior is in my opinion one of the most difficult things to endure but having to deal with loss of vision after having had it for any length of time is just so sad.

We can only hope and pray that society starts to become more aware and accepting of those who have lost their vision and that governments and companies start making more committed efforts to make life easier for those who have had and have lost. As for me, I cope by remembering. By meditating on beautiful colors, bright beautiful colors and pictures of Mother Nature's wonders. Silver raindrops, big fat white snowflakes, yellow sunshine, red roses, pink mists, blue skies, jade green sea, and golden sand. You got it! Colors, colors!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your accessibility and special-needs business consultant, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and tell others that yes! There is definitely life after losing vision. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.