“Love begins in the mind, not the eyes”
I thought I would share another very touching story that will, undoubtedly, be overlooked by the main stream media. I was most struck by the quote that I used for the title of the blog entry. The father of this child is the one who first said it, and I found it to be a very beautiful phrase coming from a man whose daughter is blind. If anyone understands how precious site is it is Taha, but he also knows that his daughter is a very loving person and her lack of sight has not affected her ability to love those around her. I have a feeling that her family has certainly nurtured that ability within her.
Soldiers help Iraqi girl see brighter future
Noor Taha Najee gives 1st Lt. Michael Kendrick a goodbye kiss near the end of a March 26 visit to her house in al Buaytha, Iraq. Noor, whose corneas are underdeveloped, has been blind since birth. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky)
FOB KALSU, Iraq
(March 31, 2008)(excerpt)
Her hands run across his hand, her fingers explore his features. She asks her father: Is he fat or skinny? Tall or short? She is trying to learn about the man she cannot see, the one who strives to end the mystery surrounding him and the world around her.
First Lt. Michael Kendrick, platoon leader of 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said it is his goal to replace the mental picture young Noor Taha Najee has of her father with the actual image.
Noor, a 5-year-old girl who lives in al Buaytha, has been blind since birth, a condition caused by poorly-developed corneas, said her father Taha.
It is a problem that runs in the family. Taha’s brother, Mustafa, also suffers from the birth defect, one that prevents the eyes from registering anything other than light sensitivity.
Although the condition is genetic, it is one that can be fixed through surgery. Kendrick, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., and his unit have been working closely with doctors to try to get something done for the family.
“To have her see her family, her brothers, to put a face to the voice, it would be a blessing,” Taha said of the opportunity to help give sight to his daughter and brother.
The Eye Defects Research Foundation, a nongovernmental organization based in Los Angeles, is already trying to schedule a surgery for the girl.
That’s heartwarming, Claire - thank you! And what a great statement about love…
Wow that is so great, I wish they would put more of this in the media!!!!
I really loved this article when I read it. I was so impressed with the father’s deep love for his daughter and the display of the tenderness of his heart. I really do with more people could see people like this family. These are the people we are fighting for… these are the people who need to inherit that land and make it the Country they want and deserve. That’s my prayer for them, anyway.
Thanks for passing a long another touching story that doesn’t get mainstream reporting.
These really are the people we are fighting for like you said Claire. I wish more could feel that same sentiment.