I always love meeting people who have managed to turn what otherwise might be considered a handicap, or disadvantage into a most wonderful asset.

I met one such woman today at brunch in a diner.  She was seated at the table next to mine. She was very jovial, eyes full of spirit, and looked to be around 70.  I couldn't help but start a conversation with her which started out because she wondered if it was still raining outside, and I let her know it wasn't.  She thanked me, explaining that she couldn't see very well without her glasses, since she is nearsighted.

I related to her completely, being nearsighted myself and wearing my glasses at brunch.  I removed them and told her she looked like a big blur!  She said, as a young girl, she had to wear those big, round, thick glasses and was called 4-eyes.  We sympathized with one another. 

Then she told a most wonderful story about being near-sighted.  As she told it, her face was illuminated and the joy of her spirit came forth.  Many years ago, she served in the Navy, and was on leave in New York.  She made arrangements to meet her cousin, Bernie, also on leave, at the big clock in Grand Central Station.  She arrived at the clock, saw her cousin Bernie, and ran up to him with delight.  She was about to plant a huge kiss on his cheek, when he kissed her full out on the LIPS!  She recoiled in disbelief, and realized her sight had failed her, and she was kissing a complete stranger! 

She giggled with delight at the memory, and I saw that woman still inside of her, full of joy, adventure and fun.  It turned out she is 88 years old, but to me, I saw the inner teenager who turned her trouble with sight into one heck of a way to have fun.  I have a feeling she may still have many a kiss from a handsome stranger in her future!