The Blind that Can See

I want to be a mother like her. Then maybe one day I’ll understand the context of love and strength that she has. They say ‘there is nothing like the bond between a mother and her child’. I believe this with all that I am and can’t wait to experience this strong bond as a mother. If I had to describe my mum in one word, it’d be ‘light’. She has always carried this bright atmosphere with her wherever she goes, no matter what darkness she encounters. Many of her family and friends describe her as the light of their life.

The definition of light /lʌɪt/:

(Noun) - the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

My mother helps me see clearly. She is one of the main reasons I feel empathy, her wisdom and guidance have taught me to see situations from other perspectives. To love, instead of judge. I aspire to do this every day. I believe we could all have more compassion for others. It wasn’t easy for my family growing up as both my mum and dad are legally blind. This often made daily tasks very difficult and simple things like shopping, cleaning and getting to school were always a challenge. As a kid, I would often be upset, feeling like I was missing out on opportunities that other kids had, but it wasn’t until I moved out that I truly appreciated how much my mother did for us. My dad spent most of the time away from the family working in order to provide for us, while mum stayed home and raised us with almost no support. My parents gave us everything they possibly could, and I feel so blessed. She taught me to appreciate everything I have. Sometimes you don’t realise how much someone loves you until you look back and see the devotion they have given you and the sacrifices they have made.

(Verb) – to make something start burning; ignite.

My mum had six kids and is now sixty years old. You wouldn’t believe it as she doesn’t look a day over forty-five. She even has better legs than me! However, she doesn’t feel as good as she used to, and I don’t blame her. Everything changed when she had her first heart attack. I was only fifteen when it happened and still to this day, it was the scariest moment of my life. I was not ready to lose my mum and I thank God that I didn’t have to say goodbye to her that day. Despite the exhaustion from her heart surgery, she still held all of us tight in her arms and reassured us that everything was going to be okay. Her faith and strength carried the whole family during that time, and through many other difficult moments throughout our lives. Especially during her other two heart attacks. She tells me that God still has a plan for her on Earth and I believe that is to spread her love and joy. Her comfort and encouragement empower me and countless others.

(Adjective) – having little weight; not heavy.

It’s strange to think that you don’t really know a person, even someone you’ve spent most of your life with until you question them as a person. The more I find out about my mum, the more I am surprised about the person she is and her life before kids. Learning things about what she’s gone through and the real her, reinforces the love I have for her and the fact that I have honestly never met anyone stronger, yet she remains so humble and nurturing. She taught me that our past can shape us, but it does not define who we are unless we let it. Even with her troubling past, she still lives life with genuine joy and helps me do the same. When the tough times come around, she reminds me of what’s really important in life. Sometimes we take life too seriously and need to remember to take a breath and laugh a little.

My grandmother was a cruel mother and horrible to her daughter, despite this my mother grew to be the loving person she is today. She taught me that no matter what our mothers have done to us, whether they have beat, neglected or loved us, we are the ones that get to choose who we are, what kind of people we will become and the way to raise our own children. I am eternally grateful for everything my mother has taught me, done for me and especially, for choosing to be the light in my life.

Jessica Halpin, 1 June 2021