Table Talk
Yesterday I sat around a table of incredible blind men and woman my own age. I have to say it was the most amazing conversation I have ever had, it was very powerful and very moving. There were also 3 women over the age of 90 at this big round table, my grandmother being one of them. Then next to me was an 7 year old. We were all drinking tea and eating birthday cake for my grandmothers 90th. Picture a party room in an apartment building…, and yes of course a Jack Pot bingo roller tucked to the side of the room .
Max., this cool dude that was at my table is 100% blind, he was around 30-35 and always has headphones around his neck and he loved the cake and everyones conversation. Max was one of the most amazing listeners I’ve ever met, he wanted to hear everything anyone said, and would ask questions and you could tell that he just truly cared. Sometimes this trait can be hard to come across.. he was a definite role model and made me want to improve in ways.
Magdalena. 91 year old German women with the coolest accent.. even after living in Canada for 55 years. I asked her what the key was to her 67 year marriage and 91 years of life? She said she never walked away or fell asleep angry at him. She wouldn’t get all wild up in traffic jams.. and bad drivers. She also said she didn’t put expectations on anyone.. especially family, she just let them live and she loved them for who they were. I really liked that.. this women really got “it” and it was so refreshing to hear.
A young women in there today got a brain tumour in 96′ and went blind except 1/4 of her left eye. Can you just imagine that happening to you? really..losing your license to drive.. your whole world would change .
I can say until today I’ve never really sat down with a blind person like that.. especially a group of them for 2-3 hours. They were all so happy .. and positive and kind. The 7 year old ..you could tell was taken back and feeling grateful for his eyes at that moment.
I left there yesterday feeling like a whole new Danielle.. I also have realized I need to set a new goal.. to visit my grandmother way more often. To let even a week go by and not pop in there when its only blocks away is just crazy. I can’t wait till its too late to say I wish i’d laughed with her more.. or opened my ears a bit better and listen to her life stories… her history.
It’s Thanksgiving this weekend.. what an awesome Holiday! Enjoy all the moments at your family dinners and events, have an open heart and never leave or walk away angry. ya never know whats next in this life line.
DK