“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”
Helen Keller
Today, I spoke with a friend who has experienced great sadness over the past few years. And yet, he radiates joy. Without going through dark and difficult times, he confided, you cannot understand the full measure of joy. Helen Adams Keller was well acquainted with suffering from an early age. Born a healthy child, she contracted an illness when she was 19 months old that left her deaf and blind. Helen Keller broke through the barriers that isolated her from participating within her community. She became a writer and an outspoken anti-war advocate. She campaigned for women’s suffrage, labour rights, and socialism. In 1971, she was inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame.
Helen Keller embraced life, with its limitations, and experienced the joy of living abundantly and completely.
The writer has spoken: Joy embraces the full spectrum of the human experience.
Lady Budd 
HK was indeed a true inspiration and someone to learn from about living in the moment. What a perfect role model for this time of year, thank you
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Merry, Merry Christmas, my friend! What fun we had in 2012! I can only imagine the fun 2013 will bring! There is a nice ring to that number!!!
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Merry Christmas my dear! 2013 will indeed be a wonderful adventure together!!
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I am looking forward to the journey…
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I often think of Helen Keller and the enormous contribution she made in her life. I also am reminded that there must have been friends and loved ones who helped her along the way.
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How well said! The greatest achievements in our lives are always done in community.
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