Regaining Sight
Sheila Hocken was born with very little vision, into a family of predominantly blind people. Her sight got progressively worse as she got older and she was given a guide dog, Emma.
Lots of her family members had had operations on their eyes, but these were very risky and rarely successful. However in the 1970s doctors began using micro surgery and this is what led to her regaining sight in one of her eyes.
At the time of the operation she was married and was worried about seeing her husband for the first time. One of her thoughts was that she wouldn鈥檛 even be able to recognise him when he came in to see her after she had her bandages taken off but she recognised his footsteps.
Sheila says sunsets were a particular joy to witness. Nobody thinks to tell you what they are like when you鈥檙e blind so she didn鈥檛 have them in her mind鈥檚 eye. Everything seemed so different to how she鈥檇 imagined the world to be.
Sheila still doesn鈥檛 have brilliant sight even in her good eye, but life is very different to how it was before.
I read Sheila Hocken's book Emma and I when I was in hospital after the birth of my first child. It was an inspiring story. Only recently a work colleague mentioned the book which she had jost come across. Lovely item to hear on the radio
Complain about this postPlease tell Muriel that most of the healers live in the hills!
Complain about this posta wonderful, moving account of darkness to light. It occured to me that all of us might have been born 'blind' to things around us, that one day we may be able to 'see' - or perceive. For example; although radio waves are real, as humans, we can't see them. Just a piece of equipment is all we need to appreciate them. What if one day we are suddenly able to see things that are all around us now, that we have no concept of?
What about angels?
Can we really believe that our existing five senses can encompass everything in the universe - and beyond?
Complain about this postHello, Sheila Hocken!
I'm Steve Hill: I used to visit you in Nottingham with Anita and Barbara Robeson. I was going out with Barabara, and we subsequently had a son who was adopted and who tracked us down after about 30 years.
I remember your voice; I remember Emma, the best chocolate labrador; taking oy for rides on the back of my Lambrette scooter; trying to explain gears to you; and your glorios stories of the dog-training course and the race across Nottingam against a sighted reporter from the local radio.
I hope you're very well!
PS I did enjoy the electric giggliness that sparked about between Fi and Muriel today . . .
- Steve Hill
Complain about this postIn answer to Sheila Hocken's question, 'Cool Water' was recorded by The Sons of the Pioneers and can be found on the 2003 RCA Country Legends cd.
Complain about this postI was lying in bed half listening, when the story of the lady who regained her sight caught my attention. I'd missed the beginning, but was fascinated by her amazingly descriptive language and wonderful story of seeing colours and raindrops and weather. I then heard you thank her by name, Sheila Hocken, and realised that when I was a small girl, I'd read and absolutely adored her book 'Emma", I'd written to her and received a lovely warm letter and a picture of the beautiful Emma. It was my pride and joy for many years, and I still keep it in a safe place. Thank you for reminding me of a wonderful story and a letter that made a small girl very very happy.
Complain about this postWhilst on holiday over 30 yrs ago I met a woman who had miraculously regained her sight after a lifetime of blindness. In her 60's she had suffered a stroke and on regaining consciousness could see for the first time. The only way she could find anything in her kitchen cupboard was to close her eyes and feel for it because nothing looked as she had imagined. She had a locket with a photo of her husband, who had died shortly before her stroke. She still had not looked at the photo as she didn't feel ready to challenge her memory of him. She was literally "seeing the world" when I met her in New Zealand.
Complain about this postI am a teacher and would love to be able to download this interview if possible?
Complain about this postI would like to use this to help inspire young people when making career choices - to illustrate that they don't have to be the surgeon to help contribute but a nurse, anaethetist etc......
Thank you
DW
I've just heard a clip of Sheila on the Chirs Evans show on Radio 2. I found it very moving and can't wait to listen to the whole interview on 'listen again'.
I first met Sheila only a couple of months ago when I was looking for a dog trainer in the Nottingham area. I found her to be one of the warmest, kindest people I've ever met and her dog trainer techniques certainly helped me a lot with my new collie, Bob.
Keep up the good work, I'm sure that all the dogs that come to you for training go on to leave much happier lives.
Thanks and ll the best.
Matt & Bob
Complain about this postIs it possible to listen to just the clip of Sheila the blind lady that got her sight back, I would love to hear it as so many people have mentioned what an inspiration she is.
It would be great if the 大象传媒 could post it on the site as a positive viral after all we are all so use to receiving meaning less viral emails.
Complain about this postIs it possible to listen to just the clip of Sheila the blind lady that got her sight back, I would love to hear it as so many people have mentioned what an inspiration she is.
It would be great if the 大象传媒 could post it on the site as a positive viral after all we are all so use to receiving meaning less viral emails.
Complain about this postI heard the interview iwth Sheila Hocken and was moved to tears with her description and experiences on regaining her sight.
It is rare that you hear or see something beautiful in the media these days. It was an uplifting item and well worth repeating.
Complain about this postHi there Sheila,
I first heard a part of Fi's interview with yourself on Chris Evan's show and was very moved. I think it is probably one of the most moving and uplifting accounts I have ever heard on the radio - inspirational, vibrant and full of life, hope and good humour and a wonderful example of living in the moment and really savouring life. Having listened to the extract on Chris's programme I then listened to the whole interview on Fi Glover's programme. Is there any way I can obtain a download of the whole interview - as it is something I would like to share with others - friends, colleagues and patients in the hospital where I work as a hospital chaplain. And I will happily pay for it.
Many, many thanks - your zest for life shone through the interview and really lifted me.
Go well
Blessings
Fergus C. McLachlan [Hospital Chaplain, IRH, Greenock, Scotland]
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