11/6 Extra: Blind Runner

God, here I go again. Tony better make an IotD post anyway

Anyway. I saw this, and I thought it was fitting of some discussion.



What you see there is a blind woman running and her "guide runner" yelling at her, giving her direction. Incidentally, this was in Australia (I think Sydney).

I guess what struck me about it was the fact that, although she's blind, she's out there, competing as a runner. I myself am half blind; I was shot in September of '95 and lost all vision in my right eye. Maybe it's because of this that I have a more profound appreciation for sight. Regardless, this reminds me of all of the absolutely stunning things that disabled persons are doing every day. Could you imagine running around a track with your eyes totally closed? I once saw a show on TLC about a blind carpenter - he built his house, by himself - and couldn't see it at all. It's absolutely amazing. They have the determination to be great, and they don't let even some of the most debilitating handicaps get them down. They do great things despite having a harder time doing them. I appreciate that. If everyone in this world strove for excellence, it would be a better place. People at a disadvantage that still achieve success are among those setting the pace.