The Gift Was A Miracle & The Bow Was A Bandage…
Show Notes: The Gift In this episode, Monique shares her another one of her life-altering experiences, encapsulated by the theme: “The gift was a miracle and the bow was a bandage.” Monique met Ruben in the Spring of 2010. There was an immediate spark, and something beyond friendship quickly developed. Of all the things they had in common, the main trait that the couple shared was “a mutual desire for success, happiness, and love.” The story begins as Monique recalls a minor eye surgery she had to have at Grady Hospital, which she tried to conceal from Ruben. That was not about to happen—Ruben was there with her at the follow-up appointment. Monique’s embarrassment was highlighted by the fact that the physician did not hold back in saying that she was losing her eyesight at a very rapid pace. She was referred to the Center for the Visually Impaired to “begin training immediately.” In short, Monique and Ruben had just learned, out of left field, that she was going blind. Monique left the hospital crying uncontrollably. She impulsively told Ruben that perhaps it was time to call off their relationship. Calmly, Ruben simply said, “Woman, I already love you. I’m not going nowhere. I got you.” Tears again; but this time, of joy. They were married 18 months after they met, on January 20, 2012. A dream was realized. A few years later, another dream became reality: Monique was able to visit West Africa during a study abroad trip. She regards one particular day of the trip as nothing short of miraculous. The group visited the Akonedi Shrine in Larteh. Once inside, an Akan priestess entered, offered up a prayer, and recounts her journey to becoming a priestess, along with the history of the shrine. Later, as the group took their leave, the priestess gently touched the right side of Monique’s face and spoke in her native language of Twi. “I did not understand what she said,” recalls Monique. “But I heard her.” The translator caught her as she exited the shrine, and mentioned that the priestess said, “Speak what you see.” During the rest of the bus ride home, Monique was silent, looking out the window, with tears streaming down her cheeks—impacted, yet unsure of exactly what the priestess meant. One week after returning to Atlanta, Georgia, Monique was to have a cataract removed from her right eye. After the operation, when her bandage was removed, Monique was surprised that she could see. Apparently, she was born with a rare genetic eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa and, according to her medical team, there seemed to be no explanation to how she was able to see again after a simple cataract removal. Not only could Monique now see with both eyes, but she no longer had glaucoma. “I believe that the Akan priestess, known for performing miracles in that small village in Larteh, blessed my eyes, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa
http://www.mamiwata.com/akua.html
