As I awake in the morning I hear the radio in the kitchen playing my favourite music. I move my hand to the edge of the bed and slowly sit up. I stand and stretch and feel the floor for any obstacles as I make my way to the doorway. I take ten steps towards the door which opens out to a hallway. I feel the walls as I move towards the kitchen and then feel the weight of the kettle to check if it has enough water. As I have strategically placed everything in the kitchen I have a mind map of where I need to go.

I enjoy the smell of fresh toast and savour the taste of my early morning cup of tea. The morning is cool and crisp and I feel the warmth of my hands as they clasp the hot drink.

I sense there is a presence nearby and then I hear my daughter’s voice. I then feel her arms around me and her tender kiss on my face. I can hear the sound of her heart beating and am comforted by her love for me. She brings me my favourite book in Braille and I feel the pages in anticipation of a happy ending.

My daughter then links her arm through mine and we walk outside to the garden where I can smell the fragrance from the roses, frangipani and lavender. I stroke the soft fur of our pet cat Sophie and can hear her purr contentedly. I can feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and my daughter describes the scenery which I try to visualize in my mind.

I begin to realize that I  am blessed to have these senses because I am able to focus and use them on a deeper level without the aid of sight.