The Story Behind the Story
I’ve been working for Zienswijs, an audio magazine for people who became blind or visually impaired later in life, for a while now. Through my work, I meet many different people who, like me, are blind or visually impaired. Each of them has a story and something to add to what you, as a reader, get to hear and, I hope, find interesting. Aside from the fact that this is my job, it also gives me a lot personally. Think unforgettable experiences, interviews on the edge of a flower bed behind the station, or interviews that give me goosebumps.
A while ago, I visited a man who had only recently become blind. He lives in a big city and was going to meet me at the bus stop. But because of a misunderstanding, that turned out to be a bit of a challenge. We were both at different stops, shouting to each other across a really busy intersection to figure out who could best make their way to the other. I think the conversation was too difficult, or maybe the man was getting impatient, because suddenly he crossed the busy intersection diagonally to meet me. My heart was in my throat, but fortunately it all turned out fine. This man turned out to have a very adventurous spirit and certainly wasn’t going to let his poor eyesight hold him back.
I often record two interviews in a day. That helps me manage my time effectively and get a little ahead. Sometimes, though, things go wrong. Once, I was coming back from an interview and was planning to stop by the Ziezo fair for an interview with a lifestyle coach. But I was running low on energy, and to make matters worse, my train was delayed too... Luckily, this woman was very understanding. I suppose that comes with the job. ;) We decided to meet after the fair on the edge of a flower bed on the Jaarbeurs side of Utrecht Central Station. That way, I didn’t have to go into the fair, and she could head straight home afterwards. Very practical.
And sometimes interviews affect me deeply too. One such interview was with Koen, in this edition of Zienswijs. I was given his name so I could fit two interviews into one day in Limburg. I called him, and he was more than happy to welcome me and my guide dog. His story moved me, and I immediately decided to read his book, 'UitZicht'. Not only is Koen a really good writer, he’s also a great storyteller. I had formed an impression of a kind, lovely man who approaches life cheerfully, makes the most of each day, and wants to be there for the people around him—especially his two daughters.
Before I knew it, I was really looking forward to meeting him. The interview itself gradually faded into the background. I was genuinely curious about Koen Versleijen as a person. I think that’s why his story affected me so deeply, both in the interview and in his book. There were all kinds of things I wanted to say to him after our interview, but in the end I didn’t because I didn’t know how. Two days after the interview, I finally sent him a message and wrote:
"Hi Koen, I’ve just finished your book, and I’m truly moved by everything you’ve been through, but especially by the final words about your daughter after the supermarket. I found our conversation last Thursday very moving, but also lovely. There’s something I wanted to say after our conversation and after reading your book: you’re such a kind and wonderful father, but above all, you’re a beautiful person."
It just goes to show that this work still has plenty of surprises in store for me, even though I’ve been visually impaired all my life and later became blind. You’re never too old to learn or to do something good for someone else. And as long as recording these interviews keeps me engaged and helps me, I hope it helps you too, listener/reader of Zienswijs.