Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
Disclaimer: This interview was recorded on the 13th of April, 2020
It’s been 16 years since my father lost his sight due to glaucoma – so he’s actually been blind for all my life.
I have three older siblings and one younger sibling – so I’m the fourth child. My father was able to see his three children’s faces before he lost his vision, so he has never seen mine nor my adik’s face.
[Image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
Now, it’s generally hard for him to find work as not many places would hire a blind person.
So, my mother stays at home to care for my father and she works by taking care of other children; she drives them to and from school. It’s merely enough for us to get by for now.
[Image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
Living Life With A Blind Father Having Lost The Income From The Breadwinner
I’m 16 this year and I’m staying in Lembah Subang with my parents, where we’re renting under Program Perumahan Rakyat (referred to as PPR, which is the government’s initiative to provide affordable homes for Malaysians).
[Image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
I achieved decent grades for my PT3 – I passed all the subjects but now I’m going to focus on getting better grades for my SPM. I have a lot of ambitions but my biggest dream is to be a veterinarian!
I love animals in general, and I used to have a cat. Sadly, the place we’re renting now would not allow us to have pets.
Besides being a veterinarian, I also think it’d be fun to be a flight stewardess! But specifically, the ones that wear the hijab if they have those. If not, then that would be hard for me to realise that dream…
I’ve never ridden on an aeroplane before so I find myself feeling interested in the idea of it. For now, I don’t really get to travel but I would really love to.
[Source: Kelly on Pexels]
My eldest sister continued her studies at UNISEL where she learned Physiotherapy. However, she never continued to work as a physiotherapist when she got married and decided to live as a housewife. My second brother’s highest education was SPM and now he’s selling clothes at a bundle shop.
My third brother was studying but he stopped for the time being so he could work in Johor. Only the two eldest siblings are married so they’re mostly focusing on their jobs and their family – we don’t really expect too much from them because of this.
I’m able to be mostly independent as I have a motor license and I can ride my brother’s old motorcycle to school. My mother may not always have the energy or time to send me sometimes, but at least I can send myself!
[Image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
(In our next article, we interview the mom who is now the primary breadwinner after her husband became blind, stay tuned!).
Do you know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at ym.efillaerni@olleh and we may feature the story.
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