Last week I went for my annual eye exam, and I’m happy to report that my eyes are in good shape, The same mild prescription still helps with focus while I drive or sit down for Saturdays ‘Hockey night in Canada’
I was also asked to speak this week to grade 5 students of the Lego League club at Ecole Frere Antoine. My biomedical electronics background added insight and feedback to the students’ research on bionic vision and invasive robotics. The questions these students asked regarding improving ones eyesight and creating a vision for the blind had me questioning the distinction we place on the difference between good eyesight, and the ability to ‘See’
Like his grandfather before, my young son would struggle with determining the difference between certain colors, Rather that label him ‘color blind’ I discounted his teachers observations, and simply told him to look for the unconventional differences. “Look for shades and tones in each color you look at – ‘SEE’ the difference” I would say, and encourage him to believe he was capable of distinguishing colors. In time he learned to adapt by focusing on the beauty of gray tones and shades, appreciating music, and developing the skills he truly excelled at.
Aquanetta Gordon from Sacramento California took the same approach to a much greater level when her son Ben Underwood lost his eyes completely to cancer by age 3. When startled little Ben awoke from surgery, complaining from his loss of sight, Aqanetta provided great wisdom in her words. “Baby yes you can see” You can see with your hand your nose – your ears – “Baby you can still see” And so Ben went on to develop his skills to become one of the most skilled self taught echo-locators in the world.
Ben saw the world through keen senses that many of us will never develop, by clicking his tongue and snapping his fingers Ben would create echo images and navigate his world. By developing the skills he has, he was able to improve his life and live with the freedom of riding his bike, playing basketball, and attending a regular school. James Ruben, Ben’s doctors says “what’s really amazing about this story is not his talent, but his attitude!”
I couldn’t agree more – sight, like all of our senses, is a gift of feedback that we must always give thanks for. Although my eyes are getting weaker, I still Ah at the sunrise, and feel joy from another’s smile. I admire Bens attitude to see without sight. Unfortunately Bens cancer took his life at age 17. I believe he has left us with inspiration and a vision. I pray that even if my eyes fail me completely, I always keep the wisdom to SEE, and have vision.
Go out and make it a great day
May you see the world just a little different today.
Blaine
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