When people think of losing one of their senses, eyesight is amongst the most terrifying. No one wants to be blind. Not being able to see the leaves changing in the fall, the color of the sky or your children's faces would be hard, but it can also make you appreciate the other little things about life. Hearing your children laugh, your favorite song on the radio, or smelling the sweet scent of fall can help take some of the sting away.
Many people think that going blind is a tragedy, but you will be surprised when I tell you that it is not. In the strangest way, it can be a good thing. Now, you may think I am crazy for saying that, but let me explain myself.
My father has always been the go-getter type. When he sets his mind to do something, he is not going to stop until it is accomplished. He loves his family more than anything in this world, and always strives to make us happy. I can remember always counting on my dad to be at every one of my award ceremonies, softball games, and cheerleading competitions no matter how far away they were. My father is one of my biggest supporters and inspirations.
A little over ten years ago the strongest man I knew was about to face his toughest battle yet. My dad was sitting in his office at work one day when suddenly his world went dark, literally. In a split second, my father lost his sight. At first, this was hard to deal with. The hope of the surgeries fixing this problem was quickly outweighed by the grief felt when they failed. After the thirty-sixth surgery, my dad decided enough was enough. It was time to face the music and learn how to live the rest of his life without his eyesight. His battle was tough at first, but I knew he would not give up without a fight. He learns to adapt to his situation everyday with the help from my family, and his seeing eye dog Nemo.
In the years since this happened, my father has owned many businesses and keeps moving up the ladder in his profession. He currently owns two cafeterias, a vending company and is also the president of the Randolph Shepherd Program, which gives blind individuals around my state a chance at being able to work. He did not let this situation impact him, instead he chose to dedicate his time to help others. His heart and determination to overcome this obstacle inspires me every day.
Now, I hope you see where I am coming from when I say that losing your eyesight could be a good thing. Not only has my dad impacted my life, but he has touched so many other people by his positive outlook on life. He has taught me to adapt to situations, whether they are bad or good. He never gives up in the face of adversity, and has made this life a great one.
I hope that I can be half the person that my dad is, because if I am, I know I will lead a good life.
