Judy's Message

After work, a few nights a week, I have been taking courses in copyediting in hopes to get a certificate. Last night's topic was bias-free language. We went over the do's and don'ts of today's culture and what's PC and what's not. We covered certain outdated terms with one particularly striking me. I am embarrassed to admit that I never saw a problem saying someone is "struggling with cancer" or is "crippled with Cerebral Palsy." The terms are considered not to be PC since the disease or disorder does not define who they are as a person; they are a person before the disease. Where it could make for a more riveting and eye-catching sentence, especially from a journalistic view, Chicago Style frowns upon it and I totally agree with them.

If I wake up in time to catch my train, I typically see the same people every day, taking it at the same time as me, going into the city. Everyday one older woman gets on a few stops after me. She is a very outgoing, kind and generous woman who everyone loves to talk to and pet her dog. This woman is blind. The first time I saw her get on the train with her dog I was taken back a little because it was so unexpected. I have my vision and I even get confused taking the train some days, so how could a person who can't see get to where they are going, especially without being toppled over from the busy businessmen and women pushing their way in front of you? Her name is Judy, and I admire this woman. Her courage is inspirational and she is proof that you can overcome the biggest pitfalls in life. Today I was left astonished when, while riding the train, she took out her lavender purple yarn and began knitting away a scarf like it was no big deal. Instead of seeing the yarn she felt it and knew where to pearl or cast on just by sensing what she should do next.

Ironically a few days ago my Mother tried showing me how to knit. She has started knitting hats for soldiers in Afghanistan and I would love to help her but I can't grasp the steps needed for the hand and eye coordination. It's a lot harder than it looks! Imagine only having hand and touch coordination? There are some things we can never imagine doing unless we are put into a situation where we are forced to learn them.

One day Judy brought a friend of hers with her. She was blind as well and both had their beautiful dogs with them to help guide them. They sat close enough to me where I could hear their conversation and stricken with curiosity, I found myself blankly staring into my book and overhearing what they were talking about. They live in the same community together where they go about living what is normal to them. They discussed their dogs, jobs, funny train stories, buying brail watches, and alarm clocks that talk to you. Not once during this conversation did they even suggest they were unhappy with their disability or how in inhibits them from doing things. They see their challenges and find ways around them and it actually seemed to give them more freedom along with a love for life not seen in many people today who do have their 20/20 vision. They talked about how grateful they are to have their friends and family who are willing to help them out, even if it means coming over at 2:00 in the morning. Judy has lots of friends; friends she meets riding the train, friends who work for the MBTA, friends who are handicapped, friends who are non-handicapped, friends who are black, friends who are white, friends who are homeless, friends who are big shot millionaires - and she sees them all the same. Wouldn't it be great if we all were blind to a certain extent where our race, our physical inhabitants, or our social status could not be seen and we started to see people for whom they really are, just as Judy does?

This illness does not define Judy, nor will it ever. It has made her so strong and has been an inspiration for me to take a look around in my life and see the beauty of the world because someday that freedom may be taken away and I am going to want to remember all of this. Life as we know it can change in an instant so it is important to take advantage of the little occurrences in our daily lives that could easily pass us by. It seems like when I'm having a stressful morning, Judy steps into the train with her bright smile and contagious sense of humor. For some reason, my petty problems suddenly disperse and I have her to thank. Obviously people on the train go out of their way as well to accommodate her and her dog and help her out where they can. They too can see the warm, kind, loving person in front of the disease.