I need some "blind" advice

[abelisle]

I have a young (27) friend in my building who is blind. But he's only been blind recently after a brain tumor was discovered which seems inoperable and his remaining years are few.

My wife and I have volunteered to look out for him, taking him and picking him up from the van that takes him to his occupational therapy center. He is such an enjoyable individual, always joking and engaging in interesting conversations.

In light of what has happened to him, I truly admire his positive attitude. We who are healthy don't have at times as healthy a mindset as he does. He makes me more thankful everyday for health and for a positive relationship with my savior. We need to praise more and be more thankful than just make requests in our prayers.

We haven't made any spiritual overtures to him since we both believe that our caring and loving relationship is the best testimony that we can present. If religion comes up in a conversation, then we will address it. As the Bible says, love is the greatest thing we can give our fellow man.

Here's my question(s): since his remaining years are few, I want to take him to my gym to workout with me and my wife. When he was younger and had his sight, he was a very good basketball player and as he told me this morning, could bench press 200 lbs. at a bdywt. of 132 lbs. Wow! I was impressed.

I would like to take him mountain biking with me but as my wife responded with upturned eyes to this suggestion, I realize that it won't happen

Have any of you done any physical stuff with blind people? I guess I'm going to have to ask the gym manager if I need special permission for this? I can do cardio with him by using the treadmill and walking with him (his balance has been adversely affected by the brain tumor).

Basically I want to help him to maximize the remaining years he has. I think God put him (Edwin) into my life to teach me to be more thankful for little things and to realize how praiseworthy God is. And I think our main purpose for being here is to help others - "service to others"

We are sure going to miss him when he goes. All of this just makes me so sad to see how we tear into each other rather than holding each up - edifying, loving, caring, being more sympathetic and giving more of ourselves to others rather than just thinking of ourselves.

Thank you Lord for bringing Edwin into my life.

Alex

[Gordon1]

Hi Alex,

A valuable experience for you. My suggestion may not seem practical, but have you thought of learning more about this tumour and asking the Lord to remove it? I've worked with several neurosurgeons and have witnessed my prayers answered in the O.R., miraculous restoration of hearing.

Surgeons are simply well-trained tradesmen. Few realize they are dealing with the Creator's masterpiece. What a terrible handicap. Before accepting a doctor's fatalistic diagnosis, it's always better to question why, and seek for both the cause and a divine solution. Such facts about your friend may emerge with time. Yes, I believe in miracles because the Great Physician lives.

[Liz]

Hi Alex, my husband is blind, he started going blind just five years ago, and now is completely blind. Working out in a gym is completely doable. If his balance is affected have him go barefoot. Being able to feel the ground seems to help tremendously. My dh goes barefooted everywhere, and I do mean everywhere including work, eating out and to the grocery store. When he first started going blind and he wore shoes, he shuffled when he walked, his balance was off and he walked feebly. Now he walks upright and solid.

One last thought, if he enjoyed bicycles, he might like renting a tandem bike. You might not be able to mountain bike, but it is better than nothing.

He is lucky to have you as a friend. :)