The Monticello miracle: Freak racetrack accident restores vision

With so much doom and gloom in the world. This story caught my attention. Made my day.

The Monticello miracle: Freak racetrack accident restores vision

Times Herald-Record

December 13, 2006

Monticello - Bells tolled last week for Dec. 7, 1941 — the date that lives in infamy. This story starts the day after.

Young patriots rushed to the nation's defense. Don Karkos tagged along after school as his older brother, Eddie, went to enlist at the Navy recruiting station in Lewiston, Maine. The boy hunched in the back of the room as Eddie answered questions and filled out paperwork. A recruiter barked out at Don, "Hey, kid, whatsa matter, you don't like the Navy?"

"Sir, I'm not old enough," Don told him. "I don't turn 17 until Friday."

"Good enough," snapped the recruiter.

Seaman Don Karkos shipped out of Boston and sailed into the North Atlantic. His was the USS Rapaden, a tanker whose mission was to skirt the German U-boats off the English coast and refuel Allied battleships. On a warm morning in the summer of '42, Karkos was on the Rapaden deck when there was a loud explosion. Twisted metal flew everywhere. Something heavy hit the boy above his right eye, cutting his forehead open.

When Karkos woke up, he was in a military hospital in Iceland. Doctors told him he would never see out of his right eye again. They wanted to remove the right eye. Karkos said, no, might as well leave it in, just for looks.

Karkos returned home to Lisbon Falls, Maine, a small mill town with a woolery. He worked in the mill's weave room for three years, not leaving until he paid off the mortgage on his father's house.

Karkos never regained sight in his right eye. It severely limited his peripheral vision. He'd bump into walls, never knowing what was coming 'round the corner. He had to be extra careful, because if anything happened to his good eye, he'd be completely blind.

But Don Karkos lived in a time when you farmed the acre you were handed and plowed forward. He married and raised a family. He started his own roofing and sheet-metal business. Karkos loved the pastoral majesty of horses and in 1978 bought his own 22-acre horse farm in Harris.

Just three years ago, doctors told him that even with all the modern medical advances, he would never see in his right eye. That scared this aging man. He already had cataracts removed from his left eye.

Karkos turned 82 yesterday. He's been at Monticello Raceway for 16 years. He's a paddock security guard, checking in the horses before races. He helps out in the barn.

Recently, he was preparing a horse named My Buddy Chimo for an early morning workout in paddock H. Karkos was adjusting the buxton around the horse's chest when My Buddy Chimo lowered his head quickly, came up and butted Karkos. Hit him flush in the head, straight above his right eye, his blind eye.

The old man was thrown against the wall and tried to gather himself. "I've been in a lot of fights,'' he thought, "but I've never been hit that hard." Last time he was hit with such might was on that Navy ship 64 years ago.

Karkos got home that night, still a little woozy. He walked down the hallway of his Monticello home, rubbing his good eye. Wait. What was happening?

"Holy ——!" said Karkos.

This story is for all the people who believe in possibility. People who have been through sickness and hurt and war. Tough things happen in life, and you're forced to see things in a certain way.

People like Don Karkos just go on with it. And occasionally, something else happens years later, when you least expect it. Some people call it a freak coincidence, some call it fate, others call it God. And life becomes so much wider you look at it differently.

Ask Don Karkos, who stood there in his hallway with his hand over his good eye. He could still see.

What the explosions of war had taken away, My Buddy Chimo had given back. Karkos can now see with both eyes.

He can see the wide horizon, the halo of the sunset, what's coming 'round the corner.

Which on this morning happens to be My Buddy Chimo.

"I love that horse," said Don Karkos. "Hey, right now, I'm loving it all.''

COMMENTS ON THIS STORY!

TryRealLogicDecember 13, 2006 06:58 PM

What if I told you I believe that millions of years ago cow ate metal, walked into the ocean, and the watch I now wear is the result that washed up onto the shore, and that whenever my watch isn't working, I put it in it's box and it gets all better. You would think I was a total idiot...of course that can't happen, a watch is made by a watchmaker and a watchmaker fixes it when it is broken. Now, if I told you I believe that my human body is a miraculous thing created by a maker, and the maker knows how to fix it when it is broken...you would also think me an idiot! Huh?? You can't have it both ways.

anastropheDecember 13, 2006 06:27 PM

people need to start using the right term. most folks who call themselves "atheists" are anything but. most of them are actually *antitheists* - they hate the idea of god, they hate people who believe in god, and they want to stamp out all mention of god anywhere. atheist is way too kind a word for them. a genuine atheist doesn't care at all about god, or whether you believe in him. most of the people commenting here hate it when people ascribe things to god, and they don't mind telling you all about it. call them what they are - antitheists.

IxilDecember 13, 2006 05:49 PM

Right, to all you people complaining about the athiests. They don't care if you believe in God or not. It makes no difference to them. But, if you start saying they can't do something, with God or the Bible as the reason, then they get angry. Or start a Crusade. Or a Jihad. Or a genocide. You know, things like that that have been religiously fueled. It doesn't matter if the old dude got his sight from the divine. Can't you both just be happy that the old bugger can see, rather than if god or a nerve did it? Full Message
lineman88December 13, 2006 05:40 PM

I am also an Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) and I'm sure the first response is correct. I fact, there is a known technique to intentionally dislocate a cataract (cloudy lens) called "couching" - google it to read more! That's what happened to this patient. Full Message
Bill683660December 13, 2006 05:09 PM

I am an ophthalmologist - an eye M.D. From the description in the story, Mr. Karkos probably developed a traumatic cataract from the old navy injury. That would leave him functionally blind, but with a viable retina and optic nerve. The kick to the head could dislocate the cataractous lens, clearing the visual axis, and restoring some degree of vision. From the description of his vision after the kick to the head, it sounds like Mr. Karkos can see forms, colors, etc. I doubt that Mr. Karkos can read fine print with his newly restored eye. Full Message
ScorpioDecember 13, 2006 04:54 PM

Thank you THR for finally printing an uplifting story. By the amount of responses this article has received,I hope this is a testament to the editors that people read the newspaper for more than doom and gloom and the sensationalism that you think sells newspapers! Merry Christmas! Full Message
fetyDecember 13, 2006 04:46 PM

...god this god that, miracles shmiracles! Shut up people! His blindness and restoration was done by PHYSICAL trauma. His optic nerve probably had some pressure against it and just needed to be smacked around a bit. Get your head out of the clouds, there's nothing up there!! Full Message
fetyDecember 13, 2006 04:44 PM

god this god that, miracles shmiracles! Shut up people! His blindness and restoration was done by PHYSICAL trauma. His optical nerve just needed to be smacked around a bit. Get your head out of the clouds, there's nothing up there!! Full Message
jberinDecember 13, 2006 04:44 PM

Interesting that you pick a "miracle" that could never be proven outside of the writings of a madman. Good job. Full Message
samjamDecember 13, 2006 04:07 PM

"For the record", an amputee has been healed and on the record; Peter the apostle in the garden of gethsemane had his amputated ear re-attached. I doubt that this incident satisfies you which demonstrates why God doesn't let atheists pick which sign he should show them; cos as soon as he does it they say "oh wait, oh, I worked out how you could've done that, do another one."Athiests don't actually know what would convince them. The all-knowing God does, and he keeps quiet most of the time. Thats interesting.Personally I find amoeba evolving enough to be able to understand and do surgery on their own bodies quite a miracle, I wonder if it had any Pickard-like help on the way? Or counter... Full Message
JOBAfunkyDecember 13, 2006 03:25 PM

Shoot I thought that miracles came with some golden sparkles or a big white hand coming out of the sky and touching you on the head. Delivering a miracle via a kick to the head froma horse seems a bit cruel, or at least mean. Tell you what I'll start believing in miracles when god get over his hatred of amputees and heals one of them for the record. Full Message
manny9423December 13, 2006 02:34 PM

Mr. Karkos continued to live his life with abundance and never complained of his fate. He is truly an inspiration to all of us, thank you for your service to our great country and I know you were blessed from the start, because, somehow someone knew that your vision whould be restored otherwise you would have made the decision to take out the eye way back when. God was always with you and you were a faithful servant and received your sight by being a good human being. It matters not what others believe, you have your sight back and you know who to thank besides My Buddy Chimo. Full Message
GalaDecember 13, 2006 02:09 PM

i have been blind in my right eye seince birth. it isnt that bad i can drive and all, i never run into walls and have amazing balance and agility. though i will never get to see from 2 eyes it isnt as bad as you think seeing from only one. it is better then being completly blind but even then why is that so bad why do we immidiatly feel sorry for the people who cant? life brings challanges of all kinds big and small. its the little things like the birth of a baby..the sound of a loved ones voice that you havent heard in years. memories of family who have passed that keep us all going. god blessed this man with a gift and now he shares it with us all. yet some people will try and find a... Full Message
KTeix9669December 13, 2006 02:01 PM

What happened to Mr. Karkos truly is an inspirational story to us all to continue to appreciate life as it is given to us, because miracles REALLY do happen. Prayer, faith, hope, love and patience is what it takes... and people who follow that life are much happier than the scum that just doubt and complain. Full Message
KTeix9669December 13, 2006 01:58 PM

The story is an amazing inspiration to believe that the impossible can happen. Prayers, faith, hope, love and patience... that's what it takes. People who follow that life are accepting and happier than the scum that just complain and doubt.KTeix9669 Full Message
aliceDecember 13, 2006 01:16 PM

I think that to not accept and recognize the goodness that life can give you is the worst of waste. I cannot undertand why such a wonderful blessing for Mr. Karkos can be interpreted in any way but uplifting and hopeful. Full Message
anopolisDecember 13, 2006 12:31 PM

Can't help but find it interesting. How many people complain about Iraq, even though it does'nt effect them in any way. Guy gets his eye sight back, somebody says "God bless ya n all that." People everywhere start getting angry.. yall sure are mad at someone ya don't even believe in. Full Message
GroghanDecember 13, 2006 12:01 PM

On the eighth day came the sneering narcissist atheists, who sayeth to all in the land, "It's all about meeeeeeee!"So what if it was a freak accident? People want to believe in supernatural miracles, what do you care? Full Message
sandktutelaDecember 13, 2006 11:41 AM

I cannot believe any of you people who are finding something as horrible as Satan or the Iraq war to be the cause of this wonderful event. What a bunch of jerks! To Mr. Karkos - you have been rewarded for living your life in the way we all strive to. It gives the rest of us more incentive to be a better person. Full Message
MrReasonDecember 13, 2006 11:41 AM

If God is responsible for this, then why hasn't anyone ever re-grown a lost limb? Surely, god loves amputees as much as this fellow? How hard could it be for god to restore a thumb? Full Message
oreopatchDecember 13, 2006 11:30 AM

I have know Mr. Karkos (aka Mr. Pierogi) for over 14 years and he is a wonderful man. He deserves this miracle. Love ya Donald Full Message
FreddieFreeloadDecember 13, 2006 11:30 AM

er, yeah... First God took the eye away to punish him for being a great sinner, then, in a 'God works in mysterous ways' gave him back his sight...OK...How about physics, Get gob'd in the eye, lose sight, get gob'd in the eye again, bounces the right receipters and get back sight.May as well pray to a milk jug... Full Message
CatsratzDecember 13, 2006 11:23 AM

What about the 64 YEARS that this poor man was nearly BLIND? Through a freak occurrence he was blinded in one eye, the eyesight in his other eye deteriorated, then another freak event brought back his eyesight. Should we "thank god" too for his 64 years of near-blindness, assuming this "god" was/is in charge of it all? Ridiculous. Full Message
deedsmanDecember 13, 2006 11:17 AM

Now that his eyesight has been restored it is the perfect time for the Navy to recall him and ship him off to Iraq. Truly a miracle for us all. Full Message
janiedDecember 13, 2006 11:13 AM

GoDKID, I know that sometimes when things appear as miricles, we have to wonder if satan had his hand in it. But I think you have to look at this man's life and how he continued to live a great life, raise a family and never give up because of what life had delt him. Instead of thinking it's satan, maybe God is rewarding this man that gave part of his eyesight for his country during WWII and for living a good Christian life all these years. After all, This man is in his 80's. Why would this even come close to turning his attention from war in the Middle East? He's not involved fighting that war. If God wanted him to remove his eye, he would have taken that eye at time of injury. maybe... Full Message
snowwhiteDecember 13, 2006 10:50 AM

I am a true believer in miracles and this story surely proves it.God Bless you and your family Mr.Karkos. Full Message
CHIkDecember 13, 2006 10:44 AM

Surely Mr. Karkos must be a man of wonderfully great Integrity to have been given such a gift. Thanks to Mr. Karkos for his service to the United States of America, and a Happy Holiday season as well. I Love my Veterans!! Full Message
AnneoDecember 13, 2006 10:33 AM

How about buying that horse and retiring him on his 22 acres? Now that would be a happy ending. Full Message
GoDKiDDecember 13, 2006 10:22 AM

There's a chance Satan might have restored his sight in order to turn attention away from his war in the Middle East. He better have it removed just to be safe. Full Message
sal_jrDecember 13, 2006 10:18 AM

Amazing... the Holy Head-butt saved the man's vision. Well Merry Christmas, Mr Karkos! And thank you for serving our country in that war, sir.What happens in horsey fight club, stays in horsey fight club. LOLMerry Christmas to all! Full Message
johnwillDecember 13, 2006 09:59 AM

Then He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored (Matthew 9:29,30). Lest we forget what this season is really all about. Full Message
CasiNoDecember 13, 2006 09:39 AM

Yes, indeed. It's a great story. Please add a scientific follow up if you can--God's miracles notwithstanding. Full Message
live4todayDecember 13, 2006 09:25 AM

Amen! God is amazing. It's stories like this that keeps my faith. Mr. Karkos the Lord has given you the ultimate Christams Gift. God Bless You Sir!! Full Message
dorightDecember 13, 2006 08:06 AM

Indeed, a wonderful, heartwarming story. Being a believer in miracles, I know that's what happened. God simply used My Buddy Chimo as the vehicle to restore Mr. Karkos' sight. God bless you Mr. Karkos, and may you enjoy your newly restored sight for many years. Full Message
princess1965December 13, 2006 08:01 AM

That is truly amazing. I am so happy for you Mr. Karkos, God definitely had something to do with this miracle. God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas - it's awesome that you will be able to see all the joy in this holiday season. I am glad that the record shared this great story with us, it is a great way to start my day. Full Message
thefarmerDecember 13, 2006 07:22 AM

Its the best thing I heard all week! It could not of happened to a better man. Full Message
CavtrooperDecember 13, 2006 07:22 AM

What a great story to start the day. Sure beats the usual "doom and gloom" Full Message
DT1111December 13, 2006 07:07 AM

wow. This is amazing. It is nice to see something like this in the record other than murders. Full Message
jade2691December 13, 2006 06:37 AM

Yes, God has truly blessed you Mr. Karkos! Amen! I had a similar situation with my back several years ago, I had two herniated disks that I struggled with for years with immense and debilitating pain, I got electricuted one day and was healed. It was amazing that I even lived, it was 220, but God healed me! Thank you to the Record for putting this story front and center today! It's certainly good to wake up to such wonderful news. May you have a beautiful Christmas Mr. Karkos and may God continue to bless your sight. Full Message
caliporscheDecember 13, 2006 06:19 AM

Miracles are all around us... How wonderful . Truly a nice story to start my day. May he have many more years of seeing the sunrise and sunset.82 and still working that is amazing. God Bless you Mr. Karkos and Happy Belated Birthday. Full Message