rom normalcy to blindness; this is the story of an enthusiastic Rozario, whose life without sight is an ongoing battle.
Up against some tough odds in his life, Rozario Barretto from Loliem is using the might of his determination as his key weapon, not to be a burden on anyone as he tries to live a day at a time.
While conversing with Rozario, one feels that this man is a beacon of strength and a bundle of joy. Living in darkness, Rozario, shares his journey about how he fought his way from blindness 20 years ago to his current status as leading a normal life.
At the prime age of 32, he lost his vision to Central Retinal Vein Oclusion (CRVO) while he was working in Dubai. However, despite the unimaginable difficulties he faced then, he managed to gradually sharpen his other senses to try and cope with his daily routine
Presently living in his grandmother’s house, which is sandwiched between the old and the new National Highway at Mashem, Rozario says life was all good and jolly before the unfortunate turn of events. Having gotten married at the age of 29, Rozario recalls how he realized his life had turned upside down when he woke up one morning and was horrified that his vision had become very blurry. Upon seeking medical advice, he was informed by doctors in Dubai, that his eyes were affected by CRVO.
“Life without sight in those days was a battle more with myself as I couldn’t imagine nor believe how suddenly everything had changed,” says Rozario
“I long to see the face of my dear wife, I wish to see the beautiful world around me but without a view of the outside world I can only feel it with my inner vision”, he adds. He further praises his wife, saying she deserves a pat on her back and a huge hug, as she had stood by him like a rock, which he says gave him the much needed strength and the belief that he should not give up hope.
“My sickness has changed my persona. When I was able to see I was carefree, but today I am observant, like most of the visually impaired people,” says Rozario, while adding that his ‘brain acts like his eyes now’.
Speaking about anything he wishes from the public, he replies saying, “My only wish is to see that all people in the society treat us with dignity. If possible, spare a little time and assist us maybe by giving a lift whenever we wait for a bus or even just greet us and say a small hello instead of ignoring us. That’s enough for us to live for a lifetime.”
When asked to elaborate about his other senses have helped him, he explained how visually impaired people are able to track moving objects by sound. On this note, it was interesting to see how Rozario learnt to understand and estimate the gap between him and anyone who wants to shake a hand. It is also heartening to see how he maneuvers in and out of his house with ease. When commended about his confidence and self-training, he said that he replaced fear with courage and determination.
His wife concurred and pointed out how Rozario helps him in many ways, and even takes care of the daily chores and can even cook and undertake most of the things any normal person can do.
“Life really took an unexpected and tough turn but my husband and myself have learnt to live with positivity and seldom have complained about the situation that we are in. We are both staunch believers of God’s might and his plans and God willing one day, Rozario might see the world as before, adds Rozario’s wife.
His wife has received praise from their neighbours and prominent people from Canacona for the support she has given him for the last 20 years.
“She is there for Rozario whenever he has to go out of the village. She also regularly takes him for a stroll on Galgibaga beach which is across the Galgibaga river”, says Manoj Prabugaonkar from Canacona.
“Their bond is so strong, it feels as though they are one body and one soul”, said another of his neighbor, while calling Rozario a ‘Champion of Courage’.
Rosario expressed that life can be isolated without support from the society. When asked about what the authorities can do to help, he said that his only plea to the authorities is that they should do much more in creating awareness amongst the public about the challenges people who have such visual and other impairments face.
Finally, one of Rozario’s strengths and passion has been his love for music. For this too, he has receives appreciation from all. Showcasing his skills on the guitar, Rozario adds, “I may not be a Stevie Wonder to the audience but when I get bored I call my better half who works as a teacher across the Polem border and strum my guitar to hum “I just called to say I love you’.”
On a concluding note, Rozario, with a smile on his face, quips that his tears have dried up long back and now he feels that his life has been enriched and he reiterates his philosophy of never giving up no matter how tough the odds are.
