Three Days to See
This 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 Kellers dream was to have the ability to see for
three days. She dreamed about looking into her trustworthy
dogs eyes, seeing an innocent babys 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 peoples 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?