I've been re-reading the autobiography of Helen Keller. I read it as a teenager and Ive always wanted to read it again. It's an amazing story as you all know. This child who became deaf and blind grows up to be an accomplished, intelligent, woman of the world.
As I read, I am once again astonished at the strides of understanding this woman made. How she could go from having no language at all to authoring a well written book is such a fascinating journey. I am so impressed by her insight - having never seen or heard so many things. Yet she describes everything as if she were a seeing, hearing person. Actually, she does it better than most seeing, hearing writers Ive read.
I guess it's true about the senses compensating for each other. And she captures the English language in a way that makes you disbelieve she has any disability.
So why cant I do at least as well? I think I need to turn up the heat on my other senses and most certainly my imagination. Im not going to go around with my earplugs in and eyes covered, but I will see some things in a different light after reading Helen's words.
Oh, I so agree--sometimes those with limited sense ability can see and hear things we do not, and describe them in poignant, lovely ways that move hearts.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite hymn writer is Fanny Crosby, who was blind. Her ways of describing Heaven and the joys of knowing Jesus rival most of us who can "see."
Hi Jan -
ReplyDeleteHelen's story triggered my interest in Sign Language. :)
I think because we can see and hear we tend to rely heavily on those senses. Our other senses are often ignored or given lesser credence.
Blessings,
Susan