The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
If anyone had a right to complain about tragedy in life, it is Helen Keller. If anyone had a right to give excuses why she cannot achieve her dreams, wallowing in self pity and depression, surely it was this woman. But Helen Keller does very little of that. Amazingly, this woman holds incredible fortitude and optimism. She gives accounts of her hardships, but she always ends with looking at the positive side of things.
I also feel saddened by the reviewers who belittle this remarkable woman. They complain about a blind author, who explains things from a visual perspective. But I believe it is Ms. Keller who can see, and it is they who cannot. She has eyes, for other people are her eyes. I also do not agree with the reviewers who criticize the author for relating about the character of her friends. Her friends help make "the story" of Helen Keller's life possible. I think the moving element of this whole work rests in this principle.
Miss Annie Sullivan, her teacher, must be one of the most courageous, patient and charitable women ever to grace the earth with her existence. This woman came and aided and helped Helen out of her dark world into the world around her. When a person looks around, it is easy to only find self-centered people, who waste their lives away, but for Annie Sullivan, her life certainly was not a waste. Helen Keller likewise holds the attitude to achieve the most possible, and she exemplifies that throughout her life. This book makes me feel guilty for any time I fall into the trap of self pity. It surely is not the circumstances in which we meet life, but the spirit in which we meet the circumstances that determines our happiness.
1 comment:
It sounds like a good book. I will have to read it sometime.
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