Donna says:

I am the mother of a legally blind ( RP) young lady 31yo. My daughter was dx with RP at the age of 10 and her eyesight is almost nothing now. How did I deal with this. First I cried and cried, and once this was over I got down to raising a independent blind child. I am not sure what your child's disability is, but our daughter was treated just like her brother and sister to a degree. She had to keep herself clean, had to clean her room and do it right and had other chores. She went to Bible college 650/miles from home and people couldn't understand how we could let a blind child go that far away. With her mobility training, she made out just fine. In fact the college would contact her durning the summer if another blind student applied. Out of 5 blind students, she was the only one that graduated. Most of them left because mothers thought it was to hard for them or the student did not know how to do mobility. I want to say, that most of the crying I did was for myself...I'm entitled...I am mom!! :) Now, my daughter is married to a wonderful man from Egypt...and yes, she traveled back and forth to Egypt by herself....she travels well, she has a mouth.! My daughter now has a 17 m/o little girl, and my son in law is working on his MA in theology, and plans to work with the Muslims.My daughter has a pretty voice, and sings specials in our church, and works with Kings Kids. She travels using Paratransit, goes to the mall alone...really does just about anything a sighted person can do. In any disability, there are limits. But mother, you have to make her independent, it will not just naturally come. I used to feel so bad for her blindness until one day she was talking to a friend on the phone and the question was asked. If there was a way for you to gain your eyesight back wouldn't you want it. Her answer was. God made me like this for a reason, and I am happy with who I am. She went on to say that she has met so many wonderful people that she might not have if she were sighted. We are members of the National Federation of the blind, and they have asked me on more than one occasion to write an article for their magazine on how to make a child with a disability independent. They seem to think I have done a good job. I will tell you, that all her father and I have done we have done with prayer just like with the other 2 children. So, don't feel sorry for yourself, I know it can sometimes be a burden dealing with disabilities, but God is good, and we thank God everyday for our special needs daughter.....She has blessed our lives and has such a sweet spirit. Her sweet spirit is the first things people notice about her, not her disability. Sorry this is so long:) Mother...don't feel sorry for your child!!