How the Steel is Tempered

In sunshine, I read your stories; in darkness, I follow your steps.

——Enpo

" Before I became blind, I read the novel How the Steel is Tempered. Years later, I posted a short poem to my Qzone: When I came to know you in sunshine, I didn’t know how the steel was tempered; today, in darkness, I follow your steps and finally know how the steel is tempered. ” Enpo said.

Enpo is a 63-year-old man interested in music and literature. He dropped out of school when he was a primary school student of fourth grade. Enpo runs a massage parlor at Rongle Street, Barkam, Aba, which is very popular with local people.

The year when Enpo was 28, he became blind in an accident. After that, he had to stay at home, depressed and hopeless. With excessive self-esteem, he felt disheartened when he thought of others’ pity on him. So he was afraid of going out. He confined himself for about three years.

Tashi, 22 years old, is a new student here. So far, Enpo has recruited 5 students from Aba. With this free training class, Enpo plans to educate these students on courses like Tibetan braille, massage and computer in three years.

Enpo only recruits these students. They’re independent, not relying on parents and others. They live on their own. That’s his requirements for them.

Last year, the prefecture DPF (Disabled Persons Federation) led them to Liangshan to learn the orientation and mobility. After the training, they came to know how to use tactile sticks. Their safety improved accordingly.

The student said, “ After learning the orientation and mobility, I can walk like a normal. For blind people, that’s very important. Now, I no longer need my father’s help. I can walk independently.”

For these children, the first class is about how to take care of themselves, other than knowledge courses.

On a summer day, three years after Enpo became blind, he came to a river to wash his feet. At that time, he was thinking of a question. Living in this strange world, he can choose to smile or weep. It’s up to him, not to others. His sorrow faded away as he sorted out his thoughts. He returned back to life.

On that day, Enpo resolved to renew his life. After getting home, he decided to make fire and cook for families who had gone out for farm work. He still remembers the cracking sound of woods in the stove, the most wonderful sound he has ever heard. At that moment, his rebirth became completed.

When mother got home, she was amazed, asking who helped him. Enpo told her he did that on his own. She was very happy. She told him that such chores were beneficial to him. Excessive sleep would cause headache. Her words inspired Enpo so much.

After that, Enpo began to try everything, mowing, cutting firewood and tailoring. It’s indeed difficult for blind people to master a skill. But after long-time practice, they can still do everything.