Imagine tying the knot with someone you’ve never laid eyes on, or having a baby without knowing what they look like. You would still love and cherish your family, despite being unable to see them.
This was the reality for Gene PurdᎥe, a man who has been blind since birth due to a retinal disease. His visual impairment limited his perception to cloudy spots, leaving him with no knowledge of his family’s physical appearance.
It wasn’t until Gene was 16 years old that he received a formal diagnosis for his condition. However, his blindness didn’t hinder him from finding love and marrying a woman named Joy. Together, they welcomed a son into their lives.
During an episode of the Rachel Ray show, Joy witnessed a woman with the same retinal disease using special technology to regain her vision temporarily. The woman was provided with electronic glasses from a groundbreaking eyewear company, revealing a potential breakthrough for their own situation.
Inspired by this discovery, Joy reached out to the show, requesting the same opportunity for her family. Fortunately, their plea was granted, and they traveled to Denver to be part of the show’s filming.
Filled with nervous anticipation, Gene couldn’t contain his excitement while on stage, questioning if his long-awaited dream would finally come true.
When the glasses were handed to him, there was a moment of uncertainty as the audience held their breath. But then, Gene locked eyes with his wife and uttered three simple words: “She is pretty!”
A blind man has never seen his wife and when he sees her for the first time he only has two words to say
Emotions overwhelmed everyone present at that moment. Gene observed his surroundings, comparing them to the mental images he had carried for so many years.
As the show concluded, Gene received the remarkable gift of those glasses, valued at $15,000. Now, he has the opportunity to witness his son’s growth and revel in the beauty of his wife every single day.
