Finding the Good After Suddenly Losing Part of Yourself

I have done a lot of writing about losing my eyesight. I have explained what it is like to deal with suddenly losing a part of yourself that you have had your entire life. Usually, when I speak about what happened to me, I find myself recapping the negative aspects of my experience. It took a long time for me to see the good in my situation, to really see the blessings in my life that have truly made a difference while on my path to healing.

The number one thing I am grateful for is that I survived. I am here, able to raise my children and watch them grow. They were my inspiration to keep fighting after many setbacks and they keep me going through the hard times. I am grateful for my husband, my family and my close friends for the support they have provided me. I am grateful that I am able to carry on with my life; visiting with family, working and maintaining my independence. Although achieving these simple things is much different now than it used to be, I am still here, figuring it out as I go.

I am grateful for the people I have met as a direct result of my accident. They have been a great source of support and comfort to me. Whether they were hurt in the same manner I was or they ended up where I have by traveling a different road, for me, having their support has been invaluable. If you’re dealing with a life-altering matter, it is so important to reach out and connect with others who have been there. Although your family and friends may be sympathetic and caring, there is nothing like the support and advice of those who really understand your situation.

What life can teach you by walking through a traumatic event is to slow down and learn to really appreciate the little things in life. My situation forced me to re-evaluate what was important to me. I had to go back to basics and learn to simplify my life. I learned to be content in my own environment and realized that I do not always have to be out doing something. This allowed me to discover a new found enjoyment for old hobbies such as cooking and writing. By slowing down, I was also able to better appreciate the beauty of nature and all the healing qualities it has to offer.

This accident helped me realize what is really and truly important in life. I gained a level of compassion and understanding of others that is far greater than what I knew I was capable of. I look at the cruel nature of others that I sometimes see and tell myself, they don’t yet get it, maybe they never will and I certainly hope it doesn’t take a tragedy for them to show kindness. My heart is full of love and compassion for others.

When we are forced to walk a path that forever changes our life, sometimes it can be difficult. When we reach the other side, even if everything is different, even if everything is harder than it once was, even if it breaks us, we can always choose to look for the positive. On the days when I’m struggling and it is difficult to see the good in my situation, I try to remind myself of the many blessings that have been brought upon me after the most trying season of my life.