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<TITLE>New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed</TITLE>
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<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">Deafblind</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">RE: The Cursed </FONT></B></P>
<P><B><FONT FACE="Arial">Here is my #152<SUP>nd</SUP> THOUGHT PROVOKER. It is a study in how various religious factions will view the blind; from near sainthood to being cursed. If you have not read the PROVOKER, it follows. Recall that I collect responses and post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that URL is- </FONT></B><A HREF="http://thoughtprovoker.info/"><B><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">Http://thoughtprovoker.info</FONT></U></B></A><B><FONT FACE="Arial"> If you wish to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and ask, at- newmanrl@cox.net </FONT></B></P>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">THOUGHT PROVOKER 152</FONT>
<BR><FONT FACE="Arial">The Cursed</FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Hi, I’m Robert. Your accent, if I am reading it correctly, places you from somewhere in the Middle East?” </FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">The attractive dusky-skinned, dark-haired woman looked quizzically at the guy approaching. He was about her age, nice looking, using a long white cane. She had first noticed him upon her arrival in the hotel lobby, and later in the registration line and reception area for those attending the two-day conference. He had impressed her with his poise as he maneuvered about independently, responding charmingly as he dealt with the awkward reception his presence sometimes elicited. Without hesitation, she spoke up, “Hello, and, yes. To put a finger or two on the map, Cairo originally, but most recently, right here in Philly. My name is Dara --- I’m the only one sitting in this row.” A realization was blossoming within her; this guy’s disability didn’t make her feel uncomfortable.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">Anticipation fueling his every stride, Robert moved into the row. He hadn’t expected such a provocative seatmate at a conference where he knew there wouldn’t be anyone he’d know. Her voice is so beautiful, he thought. Feeling at ease and maybe too much so, he couldn’t believe his next words, “Well, guess I’ll sit by you and fill up the row so it’s just ours.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">They didn’t have the entire row to themselves. Yet throughout the morning’s presentations, they indulged in periodic soft-spoken exchanges. Some concerning the information being presented, some purely personal, and sometimes, sharing some stifled laughter. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">At the end of the morning session, they decided to have lunch together. Later, they had dinner, then the next morning, breakfast, and then lunch again. The conference was over at 4:00 PM. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“I’ve got to see you again. How about tomorrow lunch or dinner somewhere?” Robert asked.</FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Yes, me too. Ah --- how about you come over to my apartment and I make dinner --- you bring a refreshment.”</FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Yes!”</FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">The night of their date, dinner finished, with more wine, soft music, and a deep lingering kiss, Dara said, “I once heard that it was very disconcerting to look into a blind person’s eyes. But ah --- being this close and looking --- I’m not sure I know what they are referring to.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Well I’m told --- good art work on non-scratch plastic like I have, can work miracles.”</FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Ha! Oh Robert my dear man,” Dara snuggled closer, “you are so full of surprises and delights. I must tell you that I feel that I am falling in love with you. ”Fingertips caressing his cheek, “Before we get more serious, we must go to my father. He must meet and pass his judgment on my choice.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Woo, You mean we have to get your father’s permission to fall in love?” </FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Arial">”No, it’s not that way. I have my own heart and feelings. I respect you for who you are, my dear. Just that, my father is the --- head of the family. It is the way within my culture. The man oversees the affairs of the family. You will like him. He is a generous, loving, and God fearing man. And his being judgmental; well --- it goes along with the position “</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">The day came for their trip to Dara’s family home and her introduction of Robert to her father came. Her mother served them tea and sweets. They talked, drank tea, talked some more, and though her family were very polite, they were nevertheless very curious about how this blind man lived. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">After dinner, in her father’s study, Dara and Robert spoke of their feelings for one another. And her father answered. “My dear daughter, I do not give my permission. Let me make this very clear, Robert, though you are a fine fellow, I must oppose this marriage. I do not want my daughter to be fated to the life she would have to live if she is betrothed to you. You are blind, a condition which greatly, how should I say it --- blindness severely impacts your life--you are stigmatized; you have reduced independence and, therefore, your prospects to financially care for my daughter are handicapped. No. I forbid this union. You are one of God’s cursed.”</FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Robert Leslie Newman </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Email- newmanrl@cox.net</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">THOUGHT PROVOKER Website- </FONT>
<BR><A HREF="Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info</FONT></U></A>
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