Excerpts from Pegasus
Lesson, by Emile Najm
One hundred and thirty one inspiring words of poetry
and prose. To view the book's Table
of Contents
 From
the book's back cover
"After I became blind at forty-five, I discovered
True Vision, the ability to see with the heart. I found the key to life's
happiness and success. Our thoughts and actions are returned to us in
kind and in abundance exceeding our wildest dreams. An optimistic attitude
and a conscientious behavior will unlock the treasures of the universerse."
Excerpts from the Introduction by Emile's friend Bud
Mann
There are manys stories about disabled people who have
risen above a handicap to succeed in a way that surprises those of us
who consider ourselves "normal." Somehow, these stories are
even more amazing when they concern blind people. This is because we
sighted ones cannot imagine how such a person can function in even the
most elementary way, let alone excel in a field that is difficult for
the best of us.
I want to tell you of such a man. His name is Emile Najm.
He was not always blind, but youthful illnesses may have foreshadowed
it.
He was born in 1935 in a small Lebanese village, the first
of seven children. By the time he was ten ......
In 1959 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree
in electrical engineering. After working two years at a local electric
company, he was hired into Chrysler Corporation's Climate Control Department.
For several years his career was on an upward climb. By the time he
was thirty five, Emile was a supervisor with considerable responsibility
in a critical area of automotive safety ......
But in 1976, he began to notice a slight blurring of his
vision...by 1978 the prognosis was much more frightening. He was entering
the early states of retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative condition of
the retina ......
He has received several honors for his work in promoting
the training of blind people to function in a sighted world. In 1989,
the Governor appointed him as a member of the Michigan Commission for
the blind ......
Now to sample Emile's Poetry
True Vision
Now that I am blind,
..... Diamonds have lost their
appeal.
Their sparkle and glitter
..... Cannot be enjoyed by touch
and feel.
But friends, true friends,
..... Will always be my priceless
treasure.
Their help builds up my spirit
..... And fills my heart with great
pleasure.
Superficial beauty
..... Can no longer dazzle my eyes,
But the loveliness of your soul,
..... I very clearly recognize.
When in my lonely darkness,
..... I meet a compassionate human
being,
The darkness vanishes,
..... And a beautiful face is what
I am seeing.
Attitude
With a smile, look for the silver lining.
Dark clouds cannot keep the sun from shining.
Count your blessings and plan for the joys of tomorrow.
Strong spirits will overcome and not drown in sorrow.
Take time to meditate, work and play.
Positive thinking to paradise will lead the way.
Happiness and success are truly a mental state.
Our own attitude decides our destiny and seals our fate. |
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