About 20 years ago my dad went to the opticians for the first time – a visit that changed his life, forever.
The optician spotted something abnormal and referred him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (or RP). It’s a name given to a group of inherited conditions which all result in a gradual progressive reduction in vision.
He was going blind.
Within weeks he had lost his driving licence (obviously with good reason) and he was also no longer able to work as a forklift truck driver. Since then many of the things he loved (he was a proper jack of all trades, able to turn his hand to anything practical) have became more difficult, if not impossible.
Not once have I ever heard him complain.
His attitude has always been really positive, he just gets on with it as best he can. While some things are a struggle, he is happy to be alive doing what he loves best – spending time with his grandchildren.
Even though his sight has now deteriorated, so much that he often can’t really see what is going on, he loves visiting different places. On Friday we went to Banham Zoo where, among other things, we watched the always entertaining Amazing Animals indoor show. As we went in, I asked Mark to tell a staff member, Steve, that my dad couldn’t see (I did this because the show features audience participation and they seek volunteers but also just in case there was an emergency).
Afterwards we went to see the brilliant outdoor Birds of Prey display, which my mum was especially keen on. Steve was flying a couple of the birds and, as he came into the audience with a beautiful peregrine falcon, he stopped before my dad and explained he was going to gently brush the bird’s feathers against his face so he could feel what they were like.
Even though my dad says he simply enjoys being with us, I always feel a little guilty that he’s normally on the fringe of things (as much as I try and take him places I think he will enjoy too). That wasn’t the case on Friday. How many people ever get that close to a peregrine falcon?
We were all so surprised and touched by the gesture (my dad was thrilled). Thank you to the staff, especially Steve, for making it a day we will all remember for a long time.
My dad gave me permission to share his photo and a bit of his story.
I’ve linked up this special moment with #MySundayPhoto (please click on the camera below to see what other people have posted).
I’ll share some more zoo pics in the week (although approximately 800 of them were of blurred wings). Tomorrow is also my second Behind The Book interview (this time with the fabulous saga writer Susanna Bavin) so please come back and visit again soon.
After The Rain 
Hi Tara, what a touching moment! Your post gave me goosebumps just reading it. By giving everyone the chance to experience something special Steve is a credit to the zoo. I can oh so relate to taking hundreds of blurry winged photos! Thank goodness for the age of digital photography!
xx
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Thank you, it was a really touching moment.
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That is a selection of very eye catching images and what a story behind it. I admire your dad’s strength. He oculd have been forgiven if he had complained although the image of him so close to the falcon did make me whine a bit I must say! A little too close for my liking. Made me nervous!
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I don’t think he would have done it if he wasn’t completely sure of the bird. It’s used to being handled and it had flown around loads and was tired, plus it already had its dinner 🙂
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That brought a tear to my eye! What a thoughtful thing for Steve to do for your dad.
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Thanks, Sarah. It was such a lovely thing, we appreciated it so much.
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What wonderful detail, beautiful post too
Thank you for linking up
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Thanks for hosting, Darren 🙂
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What a kind thing to do, three cheers for Banham and hats off to your Dad. #MySundayPhoto
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Hip hip hooray! 🙂 All the staff are so nice there, it’s one of the things I like about it.
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Wow, How amazing such a lovely gesture. Its fantastic your Dad is so positive x
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I don’t think I would be, I’d be moaning all the time but he takes everything in his stride.
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gorgeous photos and your Dad sounds an inspiration
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Thank you. He’s one of the good guys, I think I’ll keep him 🙂
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What a lovely thing for them to do for your dad. Little acts like that are what make the world a better place. #mysundayphoto
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They really do. It was so unexpected too. My dad has been telling everyone 🙂
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How special is that and I love how you mentioned it to the zoo and they made accommodations, so they should. Wonderful post, sending blessings to your dad.💗
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Thank you. Such a special moment for all of us but especially him. He was so pleased.
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What a lovely story and such a kind gesture… The photos are beautifully detailed also. #MySundayPhoto
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Thanks, Jade. I had completely the wrong lens on to take these sort of photos but luckily it didn’t come out too badly.
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Your beautiful post touched me. Being included brings joy to all. #mysundayphoto
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Thanks, Carol. That’s so true. We were all so pleased for him.
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Oh wow Tara, what an amazing thing for them to do. I bet it was very special for your Dad. And thanks to him for letting you share some of his story and that beautiful picture with us. #mysundayphoto
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I’ll let him know you enjoyed it, he’ll be so pleased. I think he’s going to be telling that story for a long time to come 🙂
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I’m sure he will. So glad he got to enjoy it in a special way x
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What a beautiful thing for them to have dine for your dad
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It really was – and so unexpected. We were all so touched.
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That’s a lovely thing for them to do, bet your dad was so touched.
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I think we must have been commenting on each others blogs at the same time. Hehe. My dad was really thrilled. He had such a smile on his face afterwards 🙂
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Oh how lovely. Such a wonderful experience for your amazing Dad. It really did being a year to my eye, your Dad sounds like a great man x
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Thank you, he’s definitely a keeper 🙂 He’s still smiling about it too.
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What a fabulous day out! Beautiful photos, but I love that they made such an effort to include your Dad and make his day extra special too #MMBC x
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Thanks, Lisa. We were so touched.
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What an amazing moment to capture. Wonderful photos.
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Thank you. I only just remembered to take the photo! 🙂
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Oh what a lovely thing for them to do and reading your story made me well up. I love the photo of your dad up close with the peregrine falcon. He sounds like an amazing man x
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Thanks, Louise. It was such a thoughtful thing to do. I think we were all really touched.
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Super awesome blog! I have RP too! I dont let it bother me though. And I am now travelling the world and writing about my adventures 🙂 well done on this lovely snippet, thanks.
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That’s lovely to hear, thanks for taking the time to comment. Where can I read about your adventures? I’ll let my dad know you’ve been in touch, he will be pleased too. He’s nearly 75 now but still as active as ever.
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I’ve found you! I’ll follow back 🙂
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Fantastic photos 🦅
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