Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, teaching us valuable lessons in the most unexpected circumstances.
In just 24 hours, my world turned into shades of darkness, and I found myself grappling with the uncertainty of a future without sight , l couldn’t use my cellphone, laptop, watch television and even see my children playing.
The harrowing incident that led to my temporary blindness served as a harsh reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In this article, I share my journey from darkness to sight, highlighting the humor, motivation, and touching lessons that emerged from this experience.
It all began on a fateful Sunday evening, 1 October 2023, as I celebrated my belated birthday with loved ones at Zindoga Shopping Center in Waterfalls, savoring the renowned braaied chicken the place had to offer.
Little did I know that the joyous occasion would take an unforeseen turn. On my way back home, a group of men unleashed their aggression upon me, leaving my body bruised and battered.
Instead of retaliating, I chose to exercise restraint, and in that vulnerable moment, the kindness of strangers came to my rescue. I was reminded that even in times of darkness, there are still beacons of light.
Although I escaped the incident with my life intact, I soon discovered that the true extent of the damage lay hidden within.
Unbeknown to me, my internal injuries were slowly unraveling, and the weight of the world seemed to grow heavier. Tragedy struck once again when I received the devastating news of my cousin’s untimely passing , the one who brought me to Harare, may her soul Rest In Peace.
The pain of loss compounded my physical injuries, and the weight of uncertainty pressed upon my soul.
As the sun rose on Monday morning, my body ached with a profound sense of discomfort. Ignoring the signs, I dismissed the need to report the incident to the police, falsely believing that I would miraculously recover.
However, fate had different plans. By Monday evening, a severe headache seized me, intensifying my fears that my brain had suffered irreparable damage. The world around me blurred, and eventually, I succumbed to darkness, falling into an uneasy sleep.
When I finally awoke, I was met with a terrifying reality. I couldn’t see anything. Panic set in, and with the unwavering support of my wife and brother in law , I sought help from both the police and medical professionals.
Hours turned into an agonizing wait, questions swirling in my mind like an endless storm. What would become of me? How would my loved ones be affected? The stories of fellow patients in the hospital waiting room only deepened my concerns.
”Young man, l’m in pain. l used to see but as you can see now l’m totally blind.”
” l got operated last year after my eyes were damaged .Now l can’t drive and do anything, hopefully you will be well,” said another man.
“I only see with one eye, l was beaten by my husband last year in South Africa and my one eye was affected, l visited many doctors but it didn’t work,eyes are very sensitive my brother,” said Ruvimbo Kanyuchi.
Their tales of permanent blindness and ongoing suffering echoed in my thoughts, heightening my anxiety.
Eventually, my turn came to see the doctor, and though I couldn’t see her face, her voice carried a gentle reassurance.
She examined my injured eye, cautioning me about the potential long-term consequences of the blows I had receieved.
”Blows are very dangerous to eyes son, they can cause you permanent injuries,” said the Doctor.
Fear gripped me as I contemplated a life forever altered, but the doctor’s prognosis brought a glimmer of hope. The possibility of a complete recovery emerged, and with it, a renewed sense of hope.
The days that followed were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Taking the prescribed medication, I gradually regained partial sight, opening my eyes to a world eagerly waiting to be seen anew. The experience left me with invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.
First and foremost, I realized that life’s uncertainties can strike without warning. Our existence is fleeting, and every passing moment is a gift to be treasured.
It became clear that seeking validation from others or pleasing society should never overshadow the pursuit of our passions and dreams. We must identify and nurture our God-given talents, for they can be our guiding light in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, my time in darkness underscored the importance of cherishing our families and closest friends.
They are the pillars that support us during our darkest hours, offering solace and strength when everything else seems to crumble. When faced with unexpected challenges, it is these precious relationships that hold the power to uplift and inspire us.
My journey from blindness to sight has forever changed my perspective on life. It taught me the value of living with intention, embracing uncertainty, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
Today, as I recount this tale, I encourage each reader to reflect upon their own lives, appreciating the beauty that surrounds them and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.
Life is a fragile gift, and it is up to us to seize every moment, knowing that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to illuminate our path.
