The Blind Painter Story

The Blind Painter

Once upon a time, in a small city, there lived a young couple:  Stanley and Megan. Stanley was a painter and sold paintings at the market, but his paintings wouldn't sell as much, and he’d hardly earned any money. I am sorry, my love! But I couldn't manage to sell any painting today. Should I quit and work somewhere instead? Megan did not say anything, for she knew that her husband hardly made enough to provide for themselves. I got your answer, my love! Tomorrow, I will go find a job. Hey, Bruno, come here boy. That night, when Stanley went to bed, a tear drop escaped his eye. All he wanted to do was to paint; but life had pushed him backwards and he decided to bend to its will. Honey, I am leaving! All the best, my love! But Stanley did not know that something terrible was awaiting him ahead.  Noooooo!

The accident could’ve  been fatal but thankfully we were able to stop the excess bleeding. But his optic nerve has been severely injured. I am sorry, but he has lost his sight. WHAT? No-no, Doctor. It can't be. Is- is there no way for him to get his eyesight back? Well, we may be able to restore some or all of his vision with surgery. It would cost ten thousand dollars. But Doctor, we-we don't have such money. I am sorry, ma'am, but the procedure is expensive and we can't bend hospital rules. Grief came to Megan in waves. She could see the future and it wasn't looking very good. Over the next few days, Megan went about the town seeking light for her husband. She asked her friends for help; called her relatives; and even went to the bank to request for a loan… all to no favorable outcome. Back at the hospital Stanley was horrified to learn that he had become blind.  Nooooooo! Noo!

A difficult journey was about to begin. Honey, you don't want to turn your bed-light off? It doesn't matter.

Sorry, ma’am, but it is getting declined. It's… it's fine, let it be. Finding no other option, Megan took a day job at a cafeteria to provide for herself and her husband. Meanwhile, Stanley had still not come to terms with the fact that he was blind. He was yet to try to learn the Orientation and Mobility technique- a technique, where a sightless person learns how to adapt to the sense of touch. Months passed, but the air of melancholy still haunted him. ‘What was he to do with his life now?’ he would often ask himself. Ahh!! Caged in his mental prison, Stanley had given up…

until one day; Are you a painter who is looking to make it big? If yes, then participate in Queensports City's biggest painting competition and win ten thousand dollars. For more details log on to our website and that's what happened. Stanley felt a sudden storm surface inside him. For the first time in months, he was standing face to face with hope. He smiled, but then, his smile wore off. Bruno, I can't- Bruno… Where are you taking me? My easel! Tears rolled down his eyes as the hair at the back of his neck bristled. Stanley didn't know which colour he was picking. but he didn't care. He just wanted to feel his brush stroke the canvas. He just wanted to smell the colour of paint. And then began the magic; The euphoria; The feeling of eternal bliss; Oh my god! Stanley was speechless; but more than that he was happy. Over the next few weeks, Stanley began to learn the O&M technique; He enrolled for Braille classes; Started to step out of his house for some fresh air. And above all, he painted… every day.

Stanley began to try several techniques to put his imagination into the canvas. Finally, he used blue tacks as co-ordinates, and that paved the way for him to pour his imagination on to the canvas. Wow! This… this is so beautiful. No offense, but you' ve never drawn something so beautiful. I never saw the world like this before: it's… it’s like my mind has become more colorful than it ever was. Meg-Megan? Where are you going? To enroll you for the painting competition next week. Ah! come on, I couldn't possibly- Stanley. the outcome doesn't matter; your participation does. Megan registered Stanley's name for the painting competition Through Your Lenses. You can draw anything you want. Just remember, you've six days. We need to submit it on Sunday. Stanley remained quiet, for he knew that deep down inside, Megan wished for him to win the competition so that prize money could help him get his sight back. I know what you are hoping for, but, honey- Shh! You just concentrate on the painting. The next day, Stanley stood in front of his easel and thought hard as to what he should make… By afternoon, he started to become anxious… And by evening, he had given up. I have no idea what I want to draw, let alone participate in the contest. You know the reason you started enjoying painting again? It is because for once in your life you stopped over- thinking about the outcome, and enjoyed the process. That's all you need to do, honey! Stanley knew that Megan was right. And so, the next day, Stanley started with his painting without worrying about it. As he went on and on, he realized that he was not just painting it, but was part of the painting itself; as if it was a road leading him to a beautiful destination. And just like that, five days passed and Stanley's painting was finally ready. Wow! Stan, I hope one day you could see what I am seeing right now! This is enchanting. Megan submitted the painting while on her way to work… and then… they waited.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Queensports city's biggest painting competition Through Your Lenses. We are delighted that all of you wonderful artists participated, and in the end, it came down to two paintings that left our judges dazzled: The Enigma by Russell Davis, and The Mind's eyes by Stanley keene. And the winner is… The Mind's eyes by Stanley keene.  Baby, you did it! The crowd cheered, but when Stanley went to the center, they were all shocked. Hi, I am Stanley. Um… you mean to say you drew this? Yes, ma'am! He’s lying! There's no way a blind person can make something like this. He must have got it done by someone else. Excuse me! My husband may be blind, but he is no cheater! I Don't believe it. Do you? It should be me, who should win the first prize, not this man. Mr. Stanley, if this has been done by someone else- I don't have to be limited in insight because of my limited sight. If you think I am not worthy because of my disability, then you may have the prize.     I am sorry, I’ve sympathy for you but not my well-deserved prize. If you really made this, then I challenge you, create something right here, right now, in front of everyone. I accept your challenge. I need some blue tacks and a canvas. The people in attendance waited in anticipation as Stanley drew for the next couple of hours; and when he was done… It's done. As the easel was turned around, it left everyone shocked and ashamed, especially Russell. What? Do you still have any doubts, Mr. Russel.  I-i don't know what to say. I'm-i'm so sorry. I could never imagine someone playing with colors without being able to see them. You deserve the first prize, indeed. And forgive us, too Mr. Stanley, for we doubted you for a second. You have shown us today that with will one can do what they want. Stanley was awarded the first prize and everyone congratulated him. Megan was happy as her husband would get his sight back once again. But while talking with the people there, Stanley found out that the reason Russel was so desperate to win the competition was that he needed the money for his father's operation.

Hey, you deserve it more. What? No- I-I don't understand! I needed the money to get my sight back, but it isn't more important than a father's life. Take it, I insist. Thank you! You are not only a great artist, but a great human being, too. I promise you. I will give it back one day. Russel rushed to the hospital, where sad news awaited him. The doctors couldn't save his father; it was too late. Doctor, I'd like to donate my father's eyes to a patient.

Hello? Hello, Mr. Stanley keene? Speaking. I’m calling from Queensport Metro Hospital. We have found you a donor; and it is absolutely free. What next? Stanley and Megan went to the hospital, where the surgery was performed and after several hours when the bandages were removed- I- I can see! Megan! I can see you! And at that moment, Russell walked in. Hi, I am Russel. Here is the money you gave me. I- I don't understand?! You needed it for your father's- You have his eyes now! It was you? Tears rolled out of Stanley's eyes as he held Russel's hand. I am sorry. Don't be. What you did for me back at the competition, was something I'd never seen before. You tried to save my father, but we couldn't. At least his eyes can now see the world through your mind. And thus, ended the beautiful tale, a tale that teaches us the power of will and determination; and at the same time, the value of kindness and compassion towards others. What can a person not do when they choose humanity above everything!