Firefighter invites a blind kid to explore gear and the boy's reaction has the internet bawling

People do not appreciate the little things in life until they lose them. Many don't realize how privileged they are to have the gift of the sight. But even those who are born with a disability get to experience the wonderful world we live in. Des, the mother of a little boy named Junie, shared a heartwarming video on their TikTok page, @adventures_of_a_junebug, describing how he can "see with his hands." The overlay text read, "When you are blind so the firefighter lets you explore his uniform and gear."

In the video, Junie can be seen holding a cane, before he started grabbing the gear of a fireman who was crouched down in front of him. Then he moved his hand to explore the build of the helmet and the glass windshield covering the fireman's face. "He knows what a firefighter is and does but this is the first time he is 'seeing' one and now has an idea of what a firefighter looks like," said another text that floated up on the screen as Junie continued to explore the equipment that the firefighter was carrying. 

There were a lot of other kids in the background who were seemingly touring the fire station and checking the firetruck as well. Junie then moved on to feel the oxygen tank on the back of the fireman as he kept explaining his gear and equipment to the little boy who couldn't see. Soon, Junie was comfortable enough to let go of his cane and started using both his hands to feel the different components of a firefighter's gears so that he could make an image of it in his mind. Junie slowly goes through the breathing apparatus on the fireman, his helmet, and his utility belt too. He then hugs the firefighter. This was indeed a unique experience for the boy who has been blind since birth.

Many people left encouraging comments for the little boy and appreciated the firefighter for giving him a one-of-a-kind experience. Des responded to many of the responses as well. @stephylynn77 commented, "This is so sweet!!! This firefighter needs to be recognized for his amazing heart!! This sweet child is exploring life in such a touching way." Des wrote in response, "I made sure to email his chief and our city department thanking him and letting them know what it meant to us."

@tpri73 mentioned, "So many things we take for granted not realizing how important people experience things differently!! Bravo." Des agreed with it and responded, "Sighted privilege is very real and we don’t even realize how much is inaccessible and how easily things could be made accessible!" @treasurehuntbest noted, "How comfortable and secure he must have felt just dropping his cane like that." @crazydonnab55 added, "That firefighter was an absolute gem and the little boy was so inquisitive to find out what everything was." 

You can follow Des and Junie (@adventures_of_a_junebug) on TikTok for more videos on their special life together.