293.He opened my eyes

Inspired from an e-mail...

I spend my evenings in a park. I always manage to find an empty bench and I would end up reading some book. Last evening I was reading a novel sitting on that park bench.There were a few people in the park. The usual calmness was missing.But as I liked that place, I continued to read.And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, a young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.

He stood right before me with his head tilted down and said with great excitement, "Look what I found".In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,with its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light.I do not like anyone disturbing me when I read a book.I faked a small smile at him and turned away.

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side and placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. That's why I picked it; here, it's for you"The weed before me was dying or dead.Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need".But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,he held it mid-air without reason or plan.It was then that I noticed for the very first time that the boy could not see. He was blind.I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun.As I thanked him for picking the very best one"You're welcome" ,he smiled, and then ran off to play unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to open my eyes.Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see.The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.And for all of those times I myself had been blind.I vowed to see the beauty in life and appreciate every second that's mine

I held that wilted flower up to my nose and breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose and smiled as I watched that young boy with another weed in his hand about to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

-Chronicwriter