#54 Blind Beatitudes

Millie sent me a copy of the Blind Beatitudes and I thought you might enjoy them. I did. The author is unknown.

I googled “Blind Beatitudes” to try and find the name of the author. I didn’t find the author but found the beatitudes on this website – http://www.duncan-holmes.com/

Duncan Holmes has been blind since birth. In addition to the Blind Beatitudes on his website are some YouTube videos. He plays the piano and on some has a vocalist singing with him. Particularly beautiful are “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “I Can Only Imagine.” These two songs are found under Videos.

Here’s a picture of Duncan Holmes at the piano.

BLIND BEATITUDES

Blessed are they who refrain from shouting when they speak to me.

Blessed are they who talk directly to me and not to someone else.

Blessed are they who say who they are when entering a room and say hello to me.

Blessed are they who say goodbye to me when they leave so I am not left speaking to the air.

Blessed are they who do not hesitate to say SEE when talking to me.

Blessed are they who tap my shoulder gently when they approach from behind or from the side when speaking to me.

Blessed are they who wait for me to extend my hand before shaking it.

Blessed are they who place my hand on an object such as the back of a chair when telling me where it is, so I can seat myself.

Blessed are they who do not leave me in a strange environment without orienting me to it.

Blessed are they who offer me their arm so they can serve as my guide, instead of grabbing, pulling or shoving me.

Blessed are they who come up to me in a large crowd and offer to help me when I appear disoriented.

Blessed are they who do not embarrass me in a group of people by openly referring to my blindness in word or action.

Blessed are they who laugh with me when I tell a joke related to blindness.

Blessed are they who read me the menu and its prices and allow me to order my own meal.

Blessed are they who take me to the cashier so I may pay for my own meal.

Blessed are they who do not distract my guide dog from being my active eyes.

Blessed are they who treat me like a human being, for like it or not, I am a human being.

*****

Readers: What do you think? If you know the author, please let us know.