I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days during his early adultlife.Darkness would make hime more appreciative of sight,silence would teach him the joys of sound.

Now and then I have tested my seeing friends to discover what they see.Recently I was visited by a very good friend who had just returned from a long walk in the woods,and I asked Her what she had observed."Nothing ing particular,"she replied.I might have been incredulous had I not been accustomed to such responses,for long ago I became convinced that the seeing see little.

How was it possible,I asked myself,to walk for an hour through the woods and see nothing worthy of note?I who cannot see find hundreds of things to interest me throuth mere touch.In spring I touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud the first sign of awakening Nature after her winter`s sleep.Occasinally,if I am fortunate,Iplace my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happyquiver of a bird in full song.I am delighted to have the cool waters of a brook rush throuth my open fingers...

At times my heart crises out with longing to see all these things.If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch,how much more beauty must be revealed by sight.Yet, Those who have eyes apparently see little.The color and action which fills the world is taken for granted. It is human,perhaps, to appreciate little that which we have and to long for that which we have not,but it is a great pity that in the world of light the gift of sight is used only as a mere convenience rather than as a means of adding gullness to life...

I naturally,should want most to see the things which have become dear to me through my years of darkness...