Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Where there is a will there is a way. We hear that motivational saying often when we encounter difficult times to push us to keep trying and to never give up. The loss of vision for most would be experienced as a physical handicap, a severe psychological blow, a tragedy, and a step-back in life. Exactly 25 years ago to this date, Khadija Al-Katbi was an active young adult and a mother of five children before blindness fell over her eyes. Her exceptional patience and unwavering faith in Allah and in her own abilities as well gave her the strength to deal with her disability as a challenge rather than a catastrophe. There was no room for despair in her life; she wanted to continue working on her talent and passion, which was making and selling homemade handcrafts. At Ebsar Foundation for the visually impaired, Al-Katbi learned how to depend on herself at home. With perseverance and incessant training, she started picking up again on household chores and looking after her children. Al-Katbi also wanted to resume her small home-based business that she had started. She is an entrepreneur who may lack vision in her eyes, but the vision in her heart is much broader. "When I lost my vision 25 years ago, I realized that life has to go on and that I needed to learn new skills to depend on myself at home. "Also, prior to my loss of vision, I had initiated several projects which I greatly enjoyed and I wanted to resume my work which was also my hobby. "I make fragrant, 100 percent natural soaps at home molded into a variety of shapes, designs, and colors, which are perfect for a unique gift. "My family helped me every step of the way, and at one of the bazaars I participated in, the American General Consul was there and he was highly impressed. His kind words of encouragement inspired me to keep going," said Al-Katbi. Among the other work that Al-Katbi has become involved in due to her artistic gift and large social network is designing abayas. "I have developed a partnership with a close friend. I create the design and style for the abaya and she sews it into the final product. I am responsible for marketing and now we have a broad base of regular clients who are satisfied with our work. I also design and sew attractive cases for the Qur'an that are both decorative with plenty of embroidery and protective if you want to carry the Holy Book around with you," said Al-Katbi. Although she lacks one of the most vital senses, her sight, Al-Katbi has been bestowed with many gifts that have enabled her to reach her full potential and to be an active and productive member of her family, society, and nation. She sees with her heart, she has love for life, love for art, socializing, and hard work. "The blind segment of society need more support in the community. Loss of vision is an overwhelming ordeal and often it results in psychological problems like depression and social withdrawal. The blind person needs help in discovering other areas of strength that he or she may have. The support of my husband and family and the services offered at Ebsar, such as learning to read Braille, to use the computer, and to perform basic tasks at home were what gave me the hope and the desire to move forward beyond the visual impairment," added Al-Katbi.
