Who isn't fascinated by the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan? As a little girl, I watched the movie and read the book or read many versions of Helen Keller's story. I was obsessed with her and everything about her.
A while back, I opened the paper and saw the photo I've copied above and gasped. The photo was previously unknown and was believed to be the oldest photo of Helen Keller in existence -- 120 years old, to be exact (and I guess now it would be 122). That such a fantastic photo of the real Helen Keller, as a girl, existed was exciting enough to a helenophile, but that profile, to me, looks almost identical to Sophie's, especially when she was about eight years old.
I forgot all about it until I started organizing my desk this morning...
Oh Elizabeth- you are right!
ReplyDeleteI see it. Sophie is SO, so, so beautiful. I love her nose (I'm sensitive about noses - just ask Gregg)!
ReplyDeleteThat's another thing we have in common; I read about Helen Keller, over and over again, as a child. She fascinated me. The idea that the world was so silent and remote for her, and then, that the silence was pierced by a loving teacher, and she broke through the wall, somehow gave me great relief and hope. I haven't read about her in years. Thank you for reminding me. XO
Wow, this was amazing. I bring Helen Keller into my classes with me to assure that my students always remember that we can't always "assess" what a person might know and can assume that she (Sophie or Helen) or he is very aware of the world, learning something every minute and trying to find ways to express themselves. The picture is astounding!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this pic. I love HK too and recently rediscovered her writing and her teachers. She DOES look just like Sophie. Wow. I gasped too. So beautiful. Both of them. But Sophie is so bright!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this pic. I love HK too and recently rediscovered her writing and her teachers. She DOES look just like Sophie. Wow. I gasped too. So beautiful. Both of them. But Sophie is so bright!
ReplyDeleteShe is so, so beautiful
ReplyDeleteElizabeth..the hair went up on my neck when I saw the picture..she looks just like her!! Wow! Amazing huh? Hope all is well with you!!
ReplyDeleteNamaste, Sarah
Sophie does look SO much like her profile!!!!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow -- that's a huge resemblance! Two beautiful beautiful girls.
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by Helen Keller as a young girl too. Was her story discussed a lot more then, or were some of us just drawn to it? I wonder.
Just wow, Elizabeth. You must have been floored.
ReplyDeleteLove Helen Keller. I remember pretending to be her with my friends when we were young, playing make believe until it got too much of course.. If only I had half her character.
Wow!
ReplyDeleteAmazing connection/synchronicity or whatever.
I forget how long ago Helen Keller lived -- it makes her story that much more powerful.
Amazing photo of Helen and Annie. I've never seen it!
ReplyDeleteStriking. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought before I even read the written part of your post .... I always look at pictures before reading .... it's uncanny
ReplyDeletegasp! Gasp! GASP! OMG! OMG! Sophie is so gorgeous she takes my breath away, just like Helen.
ReplyDeleteWOW, WOW, triple wow! That's unbelievable! And yes, I'm a helenophile!
ReplyDeleteOh my God I gasped. Even before I saw Sophie at 8 I was like I totally see it. After seeing the picture, they could be twins.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful and your husband is handsome. You have a beautiful family Elizabeth.
xoxo
The resemblance is striking. I watched the movie in the US years ago. I'd never heard of the story before. Not a story one forgets.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1uLfF35Uw
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIaMgD1VmmY
Elizabeth--I, too, always loved any story about Helen Keller. Sophie's picture is incredible in how much it looks like HK's! I thought you would like to see these real video clips of HK on youtube. I couldn't believe they even existed! Love, MB
So similar! H.K. is the author of my favorite quote...
ReplyDelete'Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing.'
It is a true likeness! There is something afoot there--a sign.
ReplyDeleteOh My GOODNESS! You arent kidding! Wow. That angle and the look on their sweet faces... it is rather remarkable.
ReplyDeleteAnd both such amazing young girls with wonderful, dedicated "teachers" (sophie's 'teacher' being YOU).