Anne Part 2
It is no wonder that Anne was able to connect with Helen on such a deep level. She understood what it was like to not be able to see as others could and knew from personal experience the value of having a voice. Without a voice, she would never have been able to speak up for herself and escape the Almshouse. Anne was intimately acquainted with the faith and courage it takes to move forward when life deals you a bad hand. At Perkins, she would soon learn the value of great teachers.
When Anne first started at Perkins, many of her classmates made fun of her rough edges and the fact that she was behind in her studies, but she was determined to catch up. In fact, she went from being behind to graduating as valedictorian of her class, but she did not do this without help. “After the first two years, Sullivan’s life at Perkins became easier. She connected with a few teachers who understood how to reach and challenge her.” What is fascinating about this fact is that her teachers not only challenged her but reached her. The Perkins article goes on to say, “Sullivan learned to excel academically at Perkins, but she did not conform. She frequently broke rules; her quick temper and sharp tongue brought her close to expulsion on more than one occasion. She might not have made it to graduation without the intercessions of those few teachers and staff who were close to her.” This is unique because, before Anne got to the Keller home, Helen was known to be very rebellious as well. Anne knew from her own experience the value of someone seeing through a rebellious nature to the heart. She herself said, “Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction.”
When looking at Anne’s past experiences, it is no wonder she was able to reach Helen on a profound level — they were kindred spirits. Perhaps Anne saw a bit of herself in Helen’s frustrations and, therefore, knew that Helen also had the ability to conquer her limitations. On the day Helen was able to sign “water,” this is what Anne wrote, “My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!” This is the B.E.A.U.T.Y. of Anne Sullivan. She did not let the traumatic experiences of her past harden her but let them shape her into a person of determination and deep empathy. She turned her personal pain into a roadmap of freedom for Helen.
Anne’s B.E.A.U.T.Y. reminds us that although God is never the author of our pain if we have the courage to give him our hurts, He has the power to use them to not only usher us into His best for our life but help others who are on a similar journey. Anne lost some of her vision, her family, and her home, but she never lost the courage to move forward and the ability to look beyond herself.
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