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Gladys
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 41
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 Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:04 am Post subject: Re: To Anna |
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| kathanne wrote: | | IThinking about it again I can see that you would be afraid to ask for the greater thing ,as most of us would see it, because you couldn't bear the prospect of disappointment |
I think this is very true of him. His mother called Alberto, his younger brother, the "blessed peace" but Andrea the "tornado". Andrea has never been at peace about anything in his life. He has raged against any limitation or barrier ever thrown in his way - why behave differently with blindness. This raging, as a youth, lead him to engage in reckless behavior, endangering the lives of children at one time at the beach. There is no peace in this man that I can sense. We can talk about miracles in many different lights but perhaps he did receive a miracle - it is called blindness. Where would he be today without it? His life so less rich, so less inspiring without it. What is a miracle anyway - what we want, what we think is best and who are we to know these things. I don't know. I feel Andrea Bocelli, the circumstances of his life and personality is a catalyst for thought and discussion on so many facets of the human condition. |
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Anna in NY
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Joined: 14 Nov 2004
Posts: 363
Location: New York
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:20 am Post subject: |
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| Gladys wrote: | | On birthdays, do you think of yourself as being epileptic for that many years? Probably not, I would imagine. |
Interesting question. And the honest answer is, Sometimes. But then, there is a long list of anniversaries I consider at each birthday. I'm sure many people do this. I agree with you that no one wants to be the object of pity. What good does that serve?
I'd never seen that quote, Gladys Was it in a larger context? I would find it interesting to look over..
| Kathanne wrote: | | It takes a lot of courage to speak about something that affects you so personally even given the anonymity of this board but it must be worth it to help others to understand. |
Thank you for the kind words, Kathanne, but truly, there is no reason to think of me as courageous in any way. It almost serves to illustrate that the person with a handicapping condition can perceive his or her disability differently than others.
Yes, those thoughts are mature for such a young child. As a Catholic, I can only imagine that his religious formation had a great deal to do with those prayers.
Off to my classroom,
Be well,
Anna
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Beddu Turridu !!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Bocellifan4ever
Joined: 11 Nov 2003
Posts: 394
Location: Lavale Maryland.
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 5:41 am Post subject: |
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My Dear Anna.
You are a magnificent Lady.
I am so proud of you,and your wonderful Positiveness in your out look in life.I didn't know you had this condition since child hood.
You have handled it like a trooper.
God,bless you always.
Claire.  
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Claire B Berlendy |
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Fantom
Joined: 17 Jan 2004
Posts: 235
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:17 am Post subject: |
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I believe that Andrea Bocelli is both peaceful AND driven, a bit of luck AND a lot of hard work, a sunny day AND a tornado. It's the dynamic between the two -- and a lot of other facets as well -- that makes him so fascinating. Who will he be today? Or this year? Or this phase of his life? That's why we tune in here on the internet daily--we want to know.
It's true that some can see, or choose to see, only one side or the other. But for me, one without the other would be boring. Diavolo il Angelo? Both...and so much more.
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kathanne
Joined: 04 Apr 2006
Posts: 64
Location: Frodsham
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:43 am Post subject: To Anna |
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| No Anna, I did not miss your point. I agree wholeheartedly. I was ,perhaps projecting my own feelings on to you asI would have difficulty writing anything about my private life here. I was not referring to your epilepsy but to your character. I happen to think that all of us are born with some handicapping condition ,to a greater or lesser degree. \we only perceive it as such through our interaction with others. I may be mistaken, it is difficult to judge 'tone' in these texts but I got the impression that you felt i was patronising you in some way I am mortified if this was the case.I certainly didn't mean to do so, how could I? I have two close friends with epilepsy so I do know something of the condition but I do not regard the many people coping with this and other conditions as necessarily courageous though some may well be WHat choice do any of us have but to cope with these things if we must. In any event I hope you were not offended as no offence was intended.. |
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rosied
Joined: 16 Oct 2004
Posts: 133
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:02 am Post subject: |
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He is obviously a man with a ferocious appetite for LIVING and tasting all the flavors of life....why would he not MISS participating in EVERY aspect of it? I can only imagine the things he could and would do if he could see. Maybe he would have been a soccer player instead of a singer, he has the physical strength for sports and LOVES them.... or maybe he would be a painter...most artistically gifted people are talented in more than one of the arts. We can only wonder.
I think his frustration with this must be at times overwhelming.
I'll never forget how I felt when Barbara asked him if he ever felt sorry for himself because he was blind. I know she, in particular, prides herself on asking the "tough" (rude!) questions, but she like all the others was told "NO questions about his blindness".....and what does she do...it was almost the first question.
What did she think he would say? Did she think she would catch him so off guard that he would say "Yes"......NEVER!!! He's had plenty of practice in handling this subject, and is ready for these kinds of questions. He has spent a lifetime trying to convince the world that he doesn't need, nor does he want pity and that he is better than "normal". He did keep his cool (because I'm sure he was put off by her "nerve") and tell her "I concentrate on what I CAN do, and not what I CAN"T do" .Was it just an attempt to put another feather her cap, that she would get him to admit something so personal, where others had failed? I don't know, even tho he says he doesn't like to talk ... he obviously enjoys interviews but must get so tired of the same old questions. However, he always exhibits good manners and he deserves that in return. |
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MK
Joined: 15 Jan 2005
Posts: 46
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:31 am Post subject: |
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| This thread surely has a life of its own. Do any of you know the bass/baritone Thomas Quasthoff? He is a thalidomide baby. He has a handsome face but has flipperlike appendages coming from his shoulders. His legs are bent and he actually waddles when he walks. I'm not sure if he is able to dress himself. He is dwarflike in height. He has become a world reknown classical singer as well as a German professor. When interviewed on 60 minutes he was asked if he had to choose between having a normal body or having his vocal gifts which would he choose? He stated that he would choose his voice. |
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Lindy
Joined: 07 Jun 2006
Posts: 27
Location: Meridian, Mississippi
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:50 am Post subject: |
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Anna, your words are so encouraging and I thank you for your inner most thoughts. You and Andrea adjusted from childhood, whereas I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis in my early forties. I am at peace in my heart and look upon my life as being greatly blessed by God. I did have to get counselling as I had a very long pity party. Whew, glad the Lord helped me clean that up!  I truly believe adversity shapes our lives for the positive, if we will allow it. I'm disabled......not dead!
All, don't overlook Andrea's accomplishments. He has a law degree! He has his own production company. He plays many different instruments. He is bi-lingual. He rides horses, which I haven't been able to accomplish and I am sighted. He has one of the most melodious voices I've ever heard. He is world renown. The only partial negative I can see, is that he is a perfectionist.....and that is only a partial, as that can be a healthy driving force. Yes, he is blind, but look at his achievements. Would he be the person he is today if he could have had his sight? Only God knows the answer to that. My guess is no. Look at Professor John Nash ("A Beautiful Mind" with Russell Crowe). He is bi-polar, but received a Nobel Peace Prize in the early '90's. It's these people who encourage me so greatly. In plain terms, quoting Dr. Seuss......"If Santa could do it then so could the Grinch!" 
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Lindy :) |
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rosied
Joined: 16 Oct 2004
Posts: 133
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:57 am Post subject: |
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What a great story!
There are many stories in the world of courageous people who beat the odds....and excell beyond what we think of as humanly possible. Isn't it inspiring and a wake up call....... especially for those of us who are born "whole"???
How about the Irish doctor/tenor who became a world class athelete as WELL as a doctor and known tenor, with two artificial limbs....AWESOME!!!! |
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Fantom
Joined: 17 Jan 2004
Posts: 235
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:42 am Post subject: |
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| MK wrote: | | This thread surely has a life of its own. Do any of you know the bass/baritone Thomas Quasthoff? He is a thalidomide baby. . |
Quasthoff is well known in Bocelli circles--not for his talent, or for being a thalidomide baby, but rather for some rude comments he made a few years ago in an interview:
| Quote: | | And yet Quasthoff is loath to make too much of the peculiar challenges he has faced. As British music writer Norman Lebrecht tells it, he has been withering about Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor who is blind, and a crossover sensation. "Why are big conductors making records with this guy?" Quasthoff said. "I am a teacher, and I know how hard it is to learn classical singing. He is not a classical artist." Asked whether Bocelli might have been formed artistically by the experience of adversity, Quasthoff retorted, "Obviously not formed well enough." |
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_14_54/ai_88990532
I think he could learn a thing or two from Bocelli--if not musically, certainly about manners. I have never heard Andrea Bocelli make a disrespectful comment about any other artist.
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Fantom |
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MK
Joined: 15 Jan 2005
Posts: 46
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:58 am Post subject: |
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| To Phantom, Maybe by now Quasthoff has changed his mind. Have you heard this man sing? |
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Gladys
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 41
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:09 am Post subject: |
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| Anna in NY wrote: |
Interesting question. And the honest answer is, Sometimes. But then, there is a long list of anniversaries I consider at each birthday. I'm sure many people do this. I agree with you that no one wants to be the object of pity. What good does that serve?
I'd never seen that quote, Gladys Was it in a larger context? I would find it interesting to look over..
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I wish I could direct you easily to the source of that quote. Obviously it was around his 42nd birthday. I use to read every article written about him and every interview. They were nicely chronicled on Bo.de but I think that extensive library is gone so I don't know how to help you other than saying I read it there.
I, too, mark anniversaries in my life and have shared my comments with others - like 40 years out of high school or now I have been married longer than not been married or that's just how many years I spend in the convent or that's how many years since I left the convent, or changed my job or moved, etc. Those on the receiving end of these comments may except these statements as simple fact but Andrea's comment about being in darkness - if I were to hear that, it would make me feel uncomfortable. I don't think it was simply statement of fact - nor would the statement - it has been 10 years since my son died. These statements connote distress or loss - to me anyway.
I feel that 95% of the statements Andrea makes are caluculated to promote a certain image and this is reasonable and advisable when a person lives in the public eye but once in a while, he responds without thinking, giving us a candid remark, a glimpse into who he really is and how he really thinks. I think his response to Barbara Walters was an excellent one - concentrate on what you can do, while, I guess or assume, you stirve to push back your personal barriers. That appears to be a great formula for mental health or achieving a sense of well being.
I think this is how he conducts his life but I think he remains in a state of discomfort that drives him forward more than an average person.
I feel that these discussions about his blindness are based on an assumption that may be false or at least unproven - that being at peace is good, not being at peace is bad. We place a value judgement on that state of mind or being - whatever it may be. What we can say about that state - not being at peace - with far more certainity - is that it is uncomfortable - and that is all. When we think of peace, who more readily comes to mind than St. Francis of Asissi with his famous prayer but take a look at St. Jerome. He is always pictured with a lion at his feet which is a symbol of his violent and unpredictible temper. Both men are regarded saints, having attained the pinnacle of moral authority and virtue. So, I think much can be gained from challenging that assumption about peace - the moral superiority of such a disposition or state of mind.
I think we all wish him to be at peace. We are uncomfortable to think of him as uncomfortable. I think that is true of others with any sort of disability. We want them to convey to us in meaningful ways - just tell is - Hey,this is okay because, if you tell me you're okay then I won't feel uncomfortable myself. I won't feel sorry for you; I won't pity you because I am a shamed of people who pity others because I think it does them a disservice and I don't want to be one of those people and I won't have a choice if you're not okay.
I think if a person, after years of blindness regain his/her sight, they would have much to say on this subject - not everything because, of course, they are drawing on one life only, but quite a lot. |
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Anna in NY
Moderator
Joined: 14 Nov 2004
Posts: 363
Location: New York
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:28 am Post subject: Re: To Anna |
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| kathanne wrote: | | In any event I hope you were not offended as no offence was intended.. |
Dear Kathanne,
Goodness, no! Not to worry. Absolutely no offense taken.
Anna :
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Beddu Turridu !!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Gladys
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 41
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:56 am Post subject: |
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| MK wrote: | | When interviewed on 60 minutes he was asked if he had to choose between having a normal body or having his vocal gifts which would he choose? He stated that he would choose his voice. |
Do you ever wonder why a person would ask that kind of question? Who doesn't wonder that but who is ignorant enough to ask it. Think about Andrea? Would he choose to be blind to secure this great, lucrative, emotionally rewarding career, to be center stage, to carry the emotions of millions on the power of his voice. Is that worth sight - for choosing implies freedom/choice, not acceptance of what is. Would he gouge out his eyes to get ahead, like a castrati cutting off his testicles to retain his feminine voice. Come on - what nut would gouge out his eyes - so the question really is - are you a nut?
If the unfortunate indivudal who is required to answer such a question were to reply "No, I want to see." then he casts himself as an object of pity. No matter what he has achieved, it doesn't compare to what he as lost.
That is a question never to be asked and never to be wondered about either. It is a lose-lose situation and the person who asks it is a mindless voyeur into human misery. |
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MK
Joined: 15 Jan 2005
Posts: 46
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 10:08 am Post subject: |
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| From my uderstanding of the lives of the castrati, these young boys had no say in this mutilation. Regarding that interview, I can't remember who the interviewer was, but Quasthoff freely discussed his handicap and it might have been in that spirit of openness that the question was asked. It could also be in that same openness that he gave his opinion of Bocelli at another time. Having watched the interview, I did not feel that the question about choice was offensive. He did not appear to resent it. |
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