Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special  Treat – Cynthia Groopman

January 20, 2007

A SECOND LIFE
 
By: Cynthia Groopman

Editor's Note: Cynthia Groopman lives in the state of New York.
February 28, 1988, will always be the beginning of my second life.
Sixteen years ago I received a prescription cough medication. Although
pleasant tasting, it would change my life and my vision forever.
I awoke at midnight from a fitful sleep with a pounding headache and red
eyes that felt like they were going to pop out of my head. Everything
seemed hazy.
My dad and brother accompanied me to the local eye and ear hospital. In
the taxi, tears began to stream down my face. What was happening to me?
I thought.
I was 39 years old, active, vibrant and enjoyed life. I was an
elementary school English teacher.
An intern and nurse awaited me in the emergency room. The intern looked
into my eyes and measured the pressure, which was 55 in each eye. When I
showed him the cough medicine bottle, he said that I was one in five who
experiences an adverse reaction.
Immediately the doctor and nurse went to work to lower the pressure with
injections, liquids, pills and drops. I was in the emergency room all
night and into the wee hours of the morning. I had laser surgery, and
the pressure was lowered.
The sight in both eyes, however, was gone.
I found myself in a dark and isolated world. I thought to myself: What
purpose do I have now?
In the taxi going home, I listed in my mind some goals to reach by the
year
2002. I was just imagining things and thought that this would allay my
fears.
In the beginning it was like a bad dream. Going to the doctor. Using
drops. and Just sitting around and moping.
I felt I had to retire from my job. The medical board asked me stupid
questions.
I then underwent intensive rehabilitation and was taught new skills,
including cane travel.
I began taking adult education courses from the Hadley School for the
Blind. Later, I would become Student of the Year.
In 1991, I became a social worker, educational and recreational
volunteer professional at the local seniors centre where I began to
utilize my skills as a teacher. I taught ESL, conducted groups and spoke
to the homebound and counselled people. I was named Volunteer of the
Year and blessed by the Monsignor.
I was adjusting to life because I had a purpose.
I was photographed for Time Magazine, using the Reading Edge machine and
inspired others.
Time passed, and I realized that the goals I had verbally listed on that
February night were becoming realities.
I began to write poetry and was one of the best poets for three years. I
was awarded a Citation of Honour for volunteer service, the Hero of
Winter and Exceptional and Role Model Person.
My fondest dream came true when, in August 2001, I had a Bat Mitzvah at
age
53.
Today, I mentor children and talk to groups about blindness.
My letters appear in our local papers, and I am interested and involved
in social actions with senior citizens.
The ability to use the computer was my last goal, and I had special
technology lessons.
My life is full.
I have insight, the ability to grow, lead a productive life and see the
light of the Lord.
My life is truly rich and blessed, and yes, now I know the true purpose
of my life.
God gave me an unconquerable soul.

Cynthia Groopman

Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net