_{edited using canva.}

This post is in both English and Spanish

You can never know what a person had passed through until you have a personal conversation with that person. Everyone wears a smile just to avoid dwelling on life's problems, but deep down, they have passed through life's threatening situations of which we may not be aware of.

Here with me is someone you may never think of as being blind before because she can see clearly and is drilling on Steemit. She's a Venezuela and a happy mother who's passionate about sewing and educating people in her advanced age. She lost her sight after her third dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and then recovered it after undergoing surgery.

She felt she would be a burden to people in her trying situation, but also didn't allow her situation take her joy away. Would you want to know what this woman did and what helped her and how she eventually got her sight back? She's here on stage and I'll have her as my interviewee.

Note: The essence of conducting this interview is to learn from the personal experience of Steemians on this space. Experience is the best teacher and as you'll read through, you'll definitely learn how she found joy in what seemed like an unending journey to this user. Some personal information were provided by the Interviewee willingly and wasn't forced to do so. She was also asked to skip some questions if they were too personal.

• 50% beneficiary would be set to the interviewee

• I'll use both English Language and Spanish

Host	Interviewee
@bossj23	@lunasilver
Graduate	Worker
English	Spanish

Interviewing the Venezuelan who Lost her Sight in the Pandemic

@bossj23: Good afternoon, Mom. Are you okay? I'm Bossj23 on Steemit. Could you introduce yourself, please?

@lunasilver: Hi bossj23, how are you? It's a pleasure to greet you. My name is Nohemí Castro and my Steemit username is @lunasilver. I'm from Venezuela. Thank you for sending the interview in Spanish 😘

@bossj23: It's a pleasure to have you on my show today. I have a feeling I'll be 95% smarter after this show because you've lived life and become a mother. Before we continue with the interview, how are you feeling right now?

@lunasilver: Right now I feel very fortunate. I'm enjoying my short break from school and looking forward to my new projects.

@bossj23: It's my way of showing courtesy to women. I don't want to stress you out, ma'am. I'd rather stress myself out. Please, if the questions I ask are too personal, feel free to swipe right away.

@lunasilver: Don't worry, I'll let you know if anything makes me uncomfortable. No problem 👍🏽

@bossj23 That's cool to hear ma. We can use English right or should I continue with the Spanish?

@lunasilver: No problem. It'll just take a little while to translate. 😂😂

@bossj23: Ohkay ma. First question. What is one thing you're grateful for as a mother?

@lunasilver: I am grateful for being a mother, thanks to the existence of my children. I have become a better person now and I have discovered that I can be very useful and with each of my children, I have developed great skills. That's the joy I'm grateful of as a mother who's gradually aging. My children made me feel I have many reasons to enjoy life temporarily on this earth while waiting for a permanent enjoyment of life in the future which my hope is based.

@bossj23: So your children are your joy right? Some mothers care less about their children's well-being because of financial constraints and they later grow up to regret this. It's good to share your joy as a mother. I've read your posts and saw that @duetron is part of the reason you're happy despite life's anxieties. That's how I am to my mother. She cherishes every moment of having me as a son and sometimes calls me her second husband.

@bossj23: Second question. You say you're a seamstress and you partly teach in a school. Can I ask? Were these part of your dreams when you were younger or life happened?

@lunasilver: Being a school teacher and a seamstress have gone hand in hand since I was a child. My love for sewing comes from my maternal grandmother. She taught me the first steps in sewing. Then I learned this trade at a vocational school. Ever since I learned to read, I practiced being a teacher to my younger siblings. I taught them to read. But circumstances prevented me from becoming a professional educator. It was a dream I held onto for a while. After raising my three children, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a school teacher. I've been an education student for a year and a half now. I conduct my professional activities at a state school near my home, called Villasana Charity.

@lunasilver: I have three children. @duetron is the youngest. They had all left home. But I became seriously ill, and he came back to take care of me. Then, when I lost my sight, he stayed by my side. Then I had surgery and regained my sight. But despite that, my son is still here supporting me.

@bossj23: I'm feeling so emotional right now. I never knew this. Please can I dwell on this. I'm so happy you've gained your sight now. Please can I ask further questions on this? I'll come back to the aspect of your work life.

@lunasilver: That's a good question.

@bossj23: Please when did you lose your sight?

@lunasilver: I lost my sight in 2020, right after receiving my third dose of the COVID vaccine.

@bossj23: That's sad to hear. This must have really been tough for you. What went through your mind on a daily basis when you lost your sight?

@lunasilver: I thought I had become a burden to others. I was very limited at home. I could hardly do anything because I couldn't see. Honestly, I felt worse than someone who has a stroke because I'll need to assistance of people for guides which I felt may be burdensome to them.

Before	After

@bossj23: I may not have known what this situation looks like, but I'm sorry you had to go through these in your mind. How did you cope in this situation before the surgery was done? Did you have hope that you'll ever recover your sight?

@lunasilver: I tried hard to have a good attitude because I was more like someone who's getting help from a caregiver. At that time, I was a pioneer and wrote letters at home, and I gave the Bible studies via WhatsApp. @Duetron always supported me. At that time, my husband was disfellowshipped by Jehovah. 😥 I did a lot of research online to find out what my options were. I remember that at the end of November 2023, I was advised to apply for government assistance. I did it and a few months later they called me to schedule the surgery.

@lunasilver: It was very difficult. But, although I lost my sight, I didn't lose my vision. That is to say, my spiritual vision was very clear. During my tribulation I discovered and understood the reasons that led me to lose everything. Before the cataract surgery I had on one of my eyes, I visited Bethel.
There I met @yenny47. She's also a witness and told me that Steemit was still working. So I found my keys and started posting again. I began posting a little nervously. To be honest, Steemit helped me get through it.

@lunasilver: I was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness on March 3, 1990. I religiously attended all my activities. But, during quarantine, everything changed. My relationship with Jehovah is unique and special. But now I've changed the way I do things. The COVID-19 vaccine took a toll on my health. And during those times, the only ones by my side were my son, who was born yesterday, and my expelled husband; no one else. Not even my elderly son and his wife were there.

@lunasilver: In the end. This whole situation made me realize I needed to make some changes in my life. And so I did. Sorry, I'm sure you're already bored with all this. Is there another question?

@bossj23: Not at all. I can't be bored with all these. I just feel there are hard times in a person's life and your experience reminds me of what Job suffered or faced. Even with all these, he didn't curse God. He trusted in him and got back double of what he lost. Your experience shows God's hands in your life.

@bossj23: Let me not stress you that much. Is there anything you'll love to give us as a piece of advice when faced with life's challenging situations? What should we always keep in mind when we later advance in age?

@lunasilver: The first piece of advice would be to value who you are, don't wait for external approval to move forward, trust your instincts. Free your mind from limiting beliefs. Heal your childhood emotional wounds. As we get older, it's very healthy to learn to value ourselves, to spend time with ourselves, to get to know ourselves, and to be happy with ourselves.

@bossj23: You've really passed through a lot in your life, but one thing that baffles me is your smiles. You don't look like someone who has problems and the fact that you love being together with family is what makes me value your personality. Last question please. What's one thing that keeps you joyful even with all these challenges?

@lunasilver: In Venezuela we have a saying: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." And personally, I think a smile is the most beautiful outfit a person can wear. Waking up warm and breathing fresh air is also a privilege. The best way to celebrate life is with a smile 😄

@bossj23: Wow. Thanks for this. I've really learnt from your experience and I hope many out there will learn that when there's a will, there's a way and that challenges shouldn't be the end of our hope in life. Thank you for being a part of my show

@lunasilver: I really appreciate. Even though this reminded me of my past, I've learnt something and I'm reminded of something very important which is crucial today.

@bossj23: The Honours. Please ma, who would you like me to interview on my show next week?

@lunasilver: I would love @yenny47 to be a part of your next interview.

@bossj23: Will you accept her invitation @yenny47? If yes, please kindly contact me on WhatsApp or discord or you permit me to do the honours myself.

Question for Readers

• Most times we ask ourselves why bad things happen to good people. Do you think it's because of karma, unforeseen occurrence or because we're expected to face such as imperfect humans?

• What do you learn from @lunasilver experience? Please let's encourage her with words.

Please you can do well to make use of the comment section My last interviewee was @ukpono. @lunasilver sends her warm greetings to you.

Spanish Version

Entrevistando a la venezolana que perdió su vista en la pandemia

@bossj23: Buenas tardes, mamá. ¿Estás bien? Soy Bossj23 en Steemit. ¿Podrías presentarte, por favor?

@lunasilver: Hola bossj23, ¿cómo estás? Un placer saludarte. Me llamo Nohemí Castro y mi nombre de usuario en Steemit es @lunasilver. Soy de Venezuela. Gracias por enviar la entrevista en español. 😘

@bossj23: Es un placer tenerte en mi programa hoy. Tengo la sensación de que seré un 95 % más inteligente después de este programa porque has vivido la vida y te has convertido en madre. Antes de continuar con la entrevista, ¿cómo te sientes ahora mismo?

@lunasilver: Ahora mismo me siento muy afortunado. Estoy disfrutando de mis breves vacaciones escolares y con ganas de empezar mis nuevos proyectos.

@bossj23: Es mi forma de mostrar cortesía a las mujeres. No quiero estresarla, señora. Prefiero estresarme yo. Por favor, si las preguntas que hago son demasiado personales, no dude en deslizar el dedo inmediatamente.

@lunasilver: No te preocupes, te aviso si algo me incomoda. No hay problema 👍🏽

@bossj23 Me alegra oír eso, mamá. ¿Podemos usar el inglés, o debería seguir con el español?

@lunasilver: No hay problema. Solo tardará un poco en traducirse. 😂😂

@bossj23: Bueno, ma. Primera pregunta: ¿Por qué estás agradecida como madre?

@lunasilver: Estoy agradecida de ser madre, gracias a la existencia de mis hijos. Me he convertido en una mejor persona y he descubierto que puedo ser muy útil, y con cada uno de ellos he desarrollado grandes habilidades. Esa es la alegría que agradezco como madre que envejece gradualmente. Mis hijos me hicieron sentir que tengo muchas razones para disfrutar temporalmente de la vida en esta tierra mientras espero el disfrute permanente de la vida en el futuro, en el que se basa mi esperanza.

@bossj23: Así que tus hijos son tu alegría, ¿verdad? Algunas madres se preocupan menos por el bienestar de sus hijos por limitaciones económicas y luego se arrepienten. Es bueno compartir tu alegría como madre. He leído tus publicaciones y he visto que @duetron es parte de la razón por la que eres feliz a pesar de las angustias de la vida. Así soy yo con mi madre. Ella atesora cada momento de tenerme como hijo y a veces me llama su segundo marido.

@bossj23: Segunda pregunta. Dices que eres costurera y que, en parte, enseñas en una escuela. ¿Puedo preguntar? ¿Formaban parte de tus sueños de joven o fueron fruto de la vida?

@lunasilver: Ser maestra de escuela y costurera ha ido de la mano desde niña. Mi amor por la costura viene de mi abuela materna. Ella me enseñó los primeros pasos. Luego aprendí este oficio en una escuela vocacional. Desde que aprendí a leer, practiqué la docencia con mis hermanos menores. Les enseñé a leer. Pero las circunstancias me impidieron convertirme en educadora profesional. Fue un sueño que perseveré por un tiempo. Después de criar a mis tres hijos, decidí perseguir mi sueño de ser maestra de escuela. Llevo un año y medio estudiando educación. Realizo mi actividad profesional en una escuela pública cerca de casa, llamada Villasana Charity.

@lunasilver: Tengo tres hijos. @duetron es el menor. Todos se habían ido de casa. Pero enfermé gravemente y él regresó para cuidarme. Luego, cuando perdí la vista, estuvo a mi lado. Después me operaron y recuperé la vista. Pero a pesar de eso, mi hijo sigue aquí apoyándome.

@bossj23: Estoy muy sensible ahora mismo. Nunca lo supe. Por favor, ¿puedo reflexionar sobre esto? Me alegra mucho que hayas recuperado la vista. ¿Puedo hacerte más preguntas? Ya hablaré de tu vida laboral.

@lunasilver: Esa es una buena pregunta.

@bossj23: Por favor, ¿cuándo perdiste la vista?

@lunasilver: Perdí la vista en 2020, justo después de recibir mi tercera dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID.

@bossj23: Es triste oír eso. Debió ser muy duro para ti. ¿Qué pasaba por tu mente a diario cuando perdiste la vista?

@lunasilver: Pensé que me había convertido en una carga para los demás. Estaba muy limitado en casa. Apenas podía hacer nada porque no veía. Sinceramente, me sentía peor que alguien que ha sufrido un derrame cerebral porque necesitaba la ayuda de otros guías, lo cual me parecía una carga para ellos.

@bossj23: Puede que no supiera cómo era esta situación, pero lamento que hayas tenido que repasar esto mentalmente. ¿Cómo lidiaste con esta situación antes de la cirugía? ¿Tenías esperanza de recuperar la vista algún día?

@lunasilver: Me esforcé por mantener una buena actitud porque era más como alguien que recibe ayuda de un cuidador. En ese entonces, era precursora y escribía cartas en casa, y daba estudios bíblicos por WhatsApp. @Duetron siempre me apoyó. En ese entonces, Jehová expulsó a mi esposo. 😥 Investigué mucho en internet para saber cuáles eran mis opciones. Recuerdo que a finales de noviembre de 2023, me recomendaron solicitar asistencia del gobierno. Lo hice y unos meses después me llamaron para programar la cirugía.

@lunasilver: Fue muy difícil. Pero, aunque perdí la vista, no perdí la visión. Es decir, mi visión espiritual era muy clara. Durante mi tribulación descubrí y comprendí las razones que me llevaron a perderlo todo. Antes de la cirugía de cataratas que me hicieron en un ojo, visité Bethel. Allí conocí a @yenny47. Ella también es testigo y me dijo que Steemit seguía funcionando. Así que encontré mis llaves y comencé a publicar de nuevo. Empecé a publicar con un poco de nerviosismo. Para ser honesta, Steemit me ayudó a superarlo.

@lunasilver: Me bauticé como testigo de Jehová el 3 de marzo de 1990. Asistía religiosamente a todas mis actividades. Pero, durante la cuarentena, todo cambió. Mi relación con Jehová es única y especial. Pero ahora he cambiado mi forma de hacer las cosas. La vacuna contra la COVID-19 me afectó la salud. Y en esos momentos, los únicos a mi lado eran mi hijo, que nació ayer, y mi esposo, quien fue expulsado; nadie más. Ni siquiera mi hijo mayor y su esposa estaban allí.

@lunasilver: Al final. Toda esta situación me hizo darme cuenta de que necesitaba hacer algunos cambios en mi vida. Y así lo hice. Lo siento, seguro que ya estás aburrido de todo esto. ¿Tienes alguna otra pregunta?

@bossj23: Para nada. No me aburro con todo esto. Simplemente siento que hay momentos difíciles en la vida, y tu experiencia me recuerda lo que Job sufrió o enfrentó. Aun así, no maldijo a Dios. Confió en él y recuperó el doble de lo que perdió. Tu experiencia muestra la mano de Dios en tu vida.

@bossj23: No quiero estresarte tanto. ¿Hay algún consejo que te gustaría darnos ante las situaciones difíciles de la vida? ¿Qué debemos tener siempre presente al envejecer?

@lunasilver: El primer consejo sería valorarte, no esperar la aprobación externa para avanzar, confiar en tus instintos. Libera tu mente de creencias limitantes. Sana las heridas emocionales de tu infancia. A medida que envejecemos, es muy saludable aprender a valorarnos, a dedicarnos tiempo, a conocernos y a ser felices con nosotros mismos.

@bossj23: Has pasado por muchas cosas en tu vida, pero algo que me desconcierta es tu sonrisa. No pareces tener problemas, y el hecho de que te guste estar con tu familia es lo que me hace valorar tu personalidad. Última pregunta, por favor. ¿Qué te mantiene alegre a pesar de todos estos desafíos?

@lunasilver: En Venezuela tenemos un dicho: "Si la vida te da limones, haz limonada". Y personalmente, creo que una sonrisa es el atuendo más hermoso que una persona puede lucir. Despertar con calor y respirar aire fresco también es un privilegio. La mejor manera de celebrar la vida es con una sonrisa 😄

@bossj23: ¡Guau! Gracias por esto. He aprendido mucho de tu experiencia y espero que muchos aprendan que querer es poder y que los desafíos no deberían ser el fin de nuestra esperanza en la vida. Gracias por ser parte de mi programa.

@lunasilver: Realmente lo aprecio. Aunque esto me recordó mi pasado, he aprendido algo y recuerdo algo muy importante que es crucial hoy.

@bossj23: Los honores. Por favor, señora, ¿a quién le gustaría que entrevistara en mi programa la semana que viene?

@lunasilver: Me encantaría que @yenny47 fuera parte de tu próxima entrevista.

@bossj23: ¿Aceptarías su invitación @yenny47? Si es así, por favor, contáctame por WhatsApp o Discord, o permíteme hacer los honores yo misma.

Question for Readers

• Muchas veces nos preguntamos por qué le pasan cosas malas a la gente buena. ¿Crees que es por karma, por un imprevisto o porque se espera que nos enfrentemos a seres humanos tan imperfectos?

• ¿Qué aprendes de la experiencia de @lunasilver? Por favor, animémosla con palabras.

Por favor, te recomiendo usar la sección de comentarios Mi última entrevista fue @ukpono. @lunasilver te envía un cordial saludo.