It began as a routine search for mine signals in the forest near the China-Vietnam border. The familiar hum of our metal detector suddenly sharpened into an insistent beep. Concealed beneath layers of debris, the object seemed like just another piece of scrap metal.
The next instant was a violent explosion. I remember the force throwing me back, the world erupting around me. That day, the light in my eyes was extinguished forever. Yet, looking back at that terrifying moment, an unexpected feeling washes over me: gratitude. Inches away from certain death, I had somehow survived.
But the aftermath plunged me into a deep abyss of despair. Food held no appeal, sleep offered no rest, and the outside world became a forbidden realm. Why venture into a world shrouded in an inescapable darkness, a darkness that even haunted my dreams? Slowly, reluctantly, I began to adapt to this new reality, at the age of 20. Joining the local blind association became a turning point. There, I learned the art of Vietnamese massage techniques. For the first time since losing my sight, two long-dormant emotions flickered within me: hope and a fragile sense of confidence.
My discovery of Omamori Spa felt like a fortunate accident. Drawn by an instinct, I decided to join their program in 2017. The spa impressed me with its cleanliness and professionalism. The staff were incredibly supportive and understanding, their experience evident in their interactions with individuals like myself. Here, I had the opportunity to learn English and connect with a diverse clientele. My heart holds a particular dream: to visit Liverpool, the home of my beloved football team. This is a goal I am determined to achieve.
Years of dedicated effort have led to a significant milestone: I have been promoted to the massage instructor team at Omamori Spa. This new role has opened doors to share my knowledge and empower other visually impaired individuals in Vietnam through training courses organized in collaboration with Omamori Spa and the Vietnam Blind Association.
Now, I hold a deep conviction: hard work and honesty pave the way for a fulfilling life, a “happy ending.” It is my sincere hope that many more visually impaired and blind individuals in Vietnam will discover BlindLink and the Omamori Spa chain, finding opportunities to thrive in such a supportive environment.
