Flowers for the Blind Woman
Beauty as seen through the eyes of a blind woman transforms the rage of her loved ones.

I entered a darkened room where a young woman sat at the bedside doing needlepoint. The patient, also a woman, was sitting upright in bed. There appeared to be a problem with her eyes but I chose to offer to change the pictures anyways. I no sooner finished speaking than a loud male voice from behind called out.

"It won't make any damn difference. She can't see a thing."

Flower House Morning (Image by Philbeck)

I composed myself, recognizing that this was no doubt the patient's son and suggested that perhaps the family would enjoy seeing something on the wall. While the daughter-in-law seemed pleased with this suggestion, her husband again replied angrily, "I don't really give a damn about what's hanging on the wall."

At this point, the soft-spoken patient spoke up. "I'm told there are lovely water images hanging now. Do you have any pictures of flowers? I love flowers and if you would select some and tell me what they are, I could imagine myself surrounded by flowers."

I went to the cart, immediately selecting some pansies and an intensely colored tiger lily. No sooner did I return to the room to hang them than her son cried out with delight,

"Oh yes! These are some of your favorites, Mom!"

He went on to describe each blossom in great detail. The patient thanked me profusely. I went on my way feeling humbled by her attitude and the incredible transformation that had occurred.