Three Days to SeeThis short story deals with how people take advantage of having the privileges to see, hear, and speak. Some people, unfortunately, are blind, deaf, and mute. These unfortunate people take more time to appreciate life and the wonders it has to offer.
The author, Helen Keller, is one such person who is blind, deaf, and mute. She believes strongly that people, who are fortunate to have such senses, take life for granted. She also believes strongly in living life to the fullest, meaning, accomplish what you can today instead of leaving it for tomorrow. An example from the story of how people take life for granted is when one says, “I know that I will die one day, but it will not happen for a long time. ” This is when reality strikes. Death comes in many ways, the worst is when it is unsuspected and surprising.
One can die at any moment, no matter how healthy or in what physical shape he is in. Building on that idea, Helen came across many instances relating to the previous one mentioned. She had asked her friend what she had seen after taking a walk through the woods, and her friend replied, “Nothing in particular. ” This is also a perfect example of how people with the gift and ability to see, take it for granted.
As stated before, Helen also believed in living life to the fullest. She believed in taking risks, and exploring new areas and wonders, for one does not know when his life will end. A perfect phrase for her would be “Carpe Diam”, meaning seize the day. She states how people, since they are in great health, believe that death will arrive to them slowly. The question that arouses them when the end comes is, “Did I accomplish everything I could in my life on earth?”Helen Keller’s dream was to have the ability to see for three days. She dreamed about looking into her trustworthy dog’s eyes, seeing an innocent baby’s face, objects in her home, taking long walks in the forest, watching sunsets and sunrises, and visiting museums, such as the New York Museum of Natural History.
Helen Keller would really appreciate everything in life, including the smallest of things, such as insects or flowers we ignore everyday. Hearing and reading about what she wanted to see, makes people think if they have appreciated all those things she mentioned. The ability to hear, speak, and see are gifts from God, and should not be taken granted for. Many people, including ourselves, take these gifts from God for granted.
After reading this short story, and the experiences of this brilliant person, one may change his way in life, and really learn to appreciate what he has. This story has a very strong message, and puts the question in people’s minds, “Have I or will I appreciate what gifts I have, and do I think of those who are not as fortunate as me to have all 5 senses?”
