Clinic Blog: 2013 Thailand Clinic Blog
January 21, 2013
“Seeing the world through my eyes” by Dr. Dana Kindberg
By jon
In December, 2010 I was fortunate enough to participate in a One Sight clinic in South Africa. It was my first clinic as a doctor, after graduating in May, 2010. In January of 2011, my mom became ill and passed away 3 weeks later. Her short illness gave her time to have conversations with her friends and family before passing away. My mom and I were very close, we lived next door to each other and had coffee together every morning before work and dinner together every night. One of our conversations before she passed away was about what a wonderful life she led. the conversation went something like this:
Me: Mom, I know you have designated many of your belongings to special people in your life, is there anything else you want me to take care of for you?
Mom: Honey, I have led a wonderful life. I have had opportunities, adventures, struggles, and triumphs. I have seen beauty, pain, happiness, and success. I have loved, laughed, cried and rejoiced. I would like you to take my glasses on your next trip and give another the opportunity to see the world as I have.
Me: Mom, I love you, anyone will be fortunate to see the world through your eyes.
On the second day of the clinic here in Thailand, we found an adorable little girl named Ming that has the same prescription as my mom. She is a +4.50 in each eye which means she can not see her school work in front of her. We heard the story that Ming had broken her glasses last year and her family had not been able to afford a new pair. Both of Ming's parents work in the rubber fields, and have a combined income of $300 per month. Since her glasses had broken, Ming's grades had dropped and she had become more shy at school.
Putting my mom's glasses on Ming was amazing, all of a sudden Ming could see the toy she was playing with. the next day I visited Ming at her school and sat at her desk with her while she was doing her school work. she could point to words on the page and also look up and tell me what the sign on the wall said. It was a magical moment where we could communicate without words...I could feel mom's energy in the room, I could feel her joy at giving this little angel the gift of sight.
Dr. Dana Kindberg, Seattle, WA
2 Comments
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Eva Zawadzki says:
It’s a story like this one that gives us even stronger desire to continue being involved. The pictures say it all!!! I imagine your joy Dr. Kindberg, that your mom’s wish has been truly fulfilled.
Posted on Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:36 am EST
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Fred Barias says:
Great story for mom’s glasses, Dr. Kindberg!! I’m sure your mom is smiling down on Ming in approval. I bet Ming certainly appreciates your efforts in carrying your mom’s glasses all the way to Thailand and selecting her as just the right person to receive them. :)
Thank you Jon for sharing this beautiful story! Now where is that kleenex?
Posted on Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:46 pm EST