When I started this site, I thought I would write more about my blindness. In short order, I realized I wasn’t as comfortable writing about my blindness as I thought I was when I started. I wanted people to interact with me and this website based on what I say about politics, books, and the rest of the things I talk about.
I have slowly realized that one of the ways to help people learn to understand and appreciate me for the things I like about myself is for me to be more open about my blindness. The reality is blindness is something that is different from me than most people. It’s something most people will wonder about and have questions. If I’m willing to answer questions in private, I should be willing to answer them here. Also, I share so much about my life I feel like not sharing about my blindness is a bit disingenuous.
So, here are some of the posts I have already written about my blindness. In future posts, I will be sharing more of my experiences as a blind person.
Everything I have written about blindness can be found under the the blindness tag on this site.
In A Furnace and Blindness I talk about the lessons I learned when my furnace broke and the interaction I had with the repairman. Sadly, he was a nicer guy than he was a good repairman. The furnace broke twice more after he fixed it. But I can honestly say I have kept my interactions with him in mind, and I do believe I have gotten better about assuming how interactions will go before giving people a chance. That doesn’t mean I’m over the years of disappointing interactions, but I’m better at critically considering my role in the interactions I have.
Learning to Find Love With a Visible Disability is one of the most honest pieces I have written about myself. Yes, I’m still very certain my blindness is a big reason why I’m still single. But I’m just as able to admit my own dismissive nature has been a part of the problem too.
Since writing this post, I know I have changed. I’m not saying this post changed me, but I think it’s worth noting the difference. Now, I just put myself out there when I meet people. I say what I think I should say. I try not to be too aggressive, but I now just let me be me. For the most part, I don’t get stuck in my head wondering how things will turn out or what may happen. I just say what feels right and let the chips fall where they may.
No, it hasn’t helped me find anyone yet, but I’m a lot more comfortable and happy with the interactions I now have. Sure, I’m different than a lot of people. But I think my saying what I think and feel in most instances has led to some really cool conversations.
America’s Attitudes About Blindness is me recapping a survey that was done to see how people feel about blindness and blind people. For those who may be interested, there is a link to the survey in the post.
I will stop sharing my previous posts for now. It felt kind of weird. But I thought I would raise them one more time.
When my daughter, Alicia, was a little one, she would walk up to disabled people; wheelchairs, blind, crutches, the human condition which most of us don’t talk about. My brave little toaster would approach said person and ask, “Why are you like this?” And they would answer her with genuine responses. She learned a lot, and did until her dying day. She would talk to you, Jonathan, and ask “Why are you like this?”, yet in more adult terms. I told her to never be afraid, that people wanted to tell her what their life was like. And she learned, and became very compassionate. She suffered from depression, and eventually, killed herself. I imagine her on high, standing with those who need her. I hope she’s standing with you. We are all only human, but our souls are worth far more. You’re an amazing guy.
~Jacki
Jackie, I am sorry for your loss of Alicia. I can’t imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing.
I think it is very important that we share our experiences. That’s especially true when others can learn from them. I wish I had been doing that since I started this project. The truth is listening and sharing, in that order, is what makes meaningful communication. Meaningful communication is hard to find.