When The Silver Screen Meets Real Life: My Unforgettable Encounter with Tom Sullivan
Mike Calvo
Every once in a while, life graces us with moments that shape our perspectives, guide our actions, and deepen our resolve. Today, I was visiting with some friends at the Florida Business Enterprise (BEP) Conference organized by the Division Of Blind Services here in Orlando, I was gifted one such moment, as Tom Sullivan took the stage.
Born in 1947, Tom Sullivan was not just an actor but an epitome of resilience. Blinded shortly after birth due to Retinopathy of Prematurity. Tom’s life was anything but ordinary. His journey, chronicled in his autobiographical book and movie “If You Could See What I Hear,” speaks volumes about overcoming adversity. Tom ventured into music, acting, writing, and motivational speaking, shattering societal misconceptions about visual impairment with each step.
Growing up in the ’80s, Tom’s story resonated deeply with my younger self. While his book is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unyielding resolve, the movie adaptation brought his story to life in vivid detail. Watching it as a teenager, it wasn’t just entertainment. It was an affirmation that being visually impaired wasn’t a limitation but an opportunity to see the world differently.
Born to Cuban immigrant parents in 1967, I faced my own set of challenges. Tom’s journey served as a beacon, guiding me through moments of doubt and instilling in me the belief that I could overcome any hurdle. Music, faith, and later technology became avenues through which I channeled my energy, passions, and aspirations.
Today, as a father, husband, author, CEO of Pneuma Solutions, and motivational speaker, I look back with gratitude. Gratitude for mentors like Tom, whose stories became the compass of my journey.
It is my fervent wish that “If You Could See What I Hear” is reintroduced to the world with audio descriptions. While books have their unique charm, films, especially in our multimedia-rich era, have an unparalleled ability to touch hearts and inspire change. A narrative as powerful as Tom’s deserves to be shared, experienced, and celebrated widely.
Listening to him speak today was not just a moment of reverence; it was a harmonious blend of past reflections and future aspirations.
Thank you, Tom, for being the guiding star on my journey and for countless others.