When the duo of Mr and Mrs. Timjul Samson married in 2010, family and friends were worried for them.
Some had thought the marriage was a waiting disaster; not because they did not love each other. And not that the resources to hold the marriage was not there.
They were worried that the two of them being blind would not be able to cope with the intricacies of living together.
It was that concern that made some relatives send their children to stay with them so they could help them with house chores. It was a genuine concern and fear for them. But it was unfounded.
Days and years have rolled into the marriage. It turned out that rather than being cared for, the blind couple were the ones taking care of the children sent to help them.
They have since lived together harmoniously and lovingly to the amazement of people around. They cook, clean the house and do all the things people with sight would do.
The couple shared their story with Happily Together, an online TV monitored by Church Times..
Timjul said in the interview that he was attracted to his wife when he was undergoing a diploma programme in mass communication at the University of Jos while his wife was doing diploma in special education at the same university. That was where the fire of love was kindled.
He recalled that he was attracted by the radio his wife used to carry around while they were in school. ‘I love radio a lot. She was always with this radio when we were in school. It was that radio that brought me close to him and from there we developed love for one another. I actually borrowed the radio and that made me enter her world,’
But it was not an immediate yes from Mary when her husband, Timjul proposed. ‘When he came to me and said he wanted to marry me, I was surprised and I just said to him that he should allow me to pray and that if it is the will of God it would happen. I am from Maiduguri while he was staying in Jos. So I told him that time would tell.’
By the time they finished their programme in Jos, Mary travelled back to Maiduguri to be with her people. But before she left, Timjul collected her auntie’s contact. ‘We did not have mobile phone then. But I got the land line of her auntie Through that I was able to keep in touch. This happened in 2003.’ Said Timjul
Timjul maintained contacts with Mary and her family in Maiduguri. By 2005 he travelled to Maiduguri to meet her and the family. He also made her intention to marry her known to the family. That was the year the two began courtship which led to their marriage in 2010.
Describing her experience in the relationship, Mary said, ‘My husband is a very hardworking man. He has been so supportive and caring . We do things together. We cook together. Clean the house together and take care of the children together.’
Unfortunately, Timjul sustained injury in a recent accident. That has affected his supportive role in the family. But their relationship has not ceased from being blissful.
The marriage is blessed with four children: two boys two girls.
Mary says of the marriage, ‘its like God made us from heaven and dropped us here on earth. He was specially made for me by God. I really thank God for his life.’
Sharing his story, Timjul says he could not have had a better wife. He described his wife as very respectful. ‘I am grateful to God for my wife. She is respectful. She is caring. I am particularly amazed at the way she handles our children. She gives them their drugs when necessary. But she does it as if she is not visually impaired.’
Apart from being a diploma holder in mass communication, Tiimjul has certification in computer science and works in that field.
He described his marriage as God’s own way of glorifying himself.
His wife, Mary is particularly enthralled by the way God has been meeting their needs in the family. ‘we thank God that despite the hard times, there is no night we went to bed hungry. God has been good to us. I do not take his mercy for granted.’
The life of the blind couple has been a challenge to their neighbours who wonder how they carry out domestic tasks despite their visual impairment.
Timjul recalled how a couple in the same compound they live wondered aloud how they cope in the relationship. ‘this couple always fight themselves..There was a day they began to compare their marriage with ourselves. They wondered how we have been living together despite our challenges while they are always fighting’ Timjul.Samson.said..
indeed, only God could have made the marriage run smoothly