Did you know ....

... that February is National Low-Vision Awareness Month? I didn't know either until I stumbled upon that little tidbit on a disability site I visit. When I saw that, my antenae immedietely perked up. You see, Michael has low-vision, partial blindness, legally blind, whatever you want to call it. Since he hasn't always been this way, there has been a huge learning curve for me, and for him these past 6 years.

Just this past week, I again, left open a cupboard door in the kitchen and he smacked his face right into it--ouch! I still say "here!" and poor guy, he has no idea what I'm talking about. I use gestures he can't see, I glare at him--which is probably a good thing he can't see, most of the time. It has taken me a long time to really realize how much he doesn't see.

Michael has done remarkedly well, considering. He has learned to take his time and slowly scan an area when he needs to. He has learned to be content being driven around by his wife and others. His backseat driving has even lessened over the last 6 years. When we walk into a darkened movie theatre, he holds onto my shoulder as his eyes adjust to the darkness. Dark rooms of any type are a real bane to his life.

We tend to avoid crowds now. State fairs, malls, even the church lobby can cause havoc with people rushing hither and thither. We, sighted ones, can be so assuming that others see just like us. Expecting everyone to have peripheral vision and see what's coming up on the side of them, or the toddler who is right underneath our feet. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. I have tried to convince Michael to wear a patch over his bad eye or to use his white cane in those instances, but to no avail. Don't ya think he'd be ruggedly handsome with a black eye patch? aka one those pirates from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean? ya, I thought so too.

We are thankful that he still has some sight left and is able to read, watch tv, see Josiah grow up and see my smiles. I am proud of his determination in school, even tho he reads so much slower than before.

That's just a little glimpse into our lives, living with a member who has low-vision.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December

did you know that today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? neither did i! but i'm glad i found out. cuz you know, i have a son with angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disability he was born with 11 years ago, and then the hubster had his accident 5 years ago, coming up on 6 years, which left him visually impaired, or as we like to joke: "mostly" blind. (i don't know why that strikes us as funny, but it does)

i knew very little about disabilities and how they affected people and their families until my own family got up close and personal with disabilities. i have learned alot in the last 11 years, and yet i'm still learning and have so much more to learn. even today, i do things without thinking that drives my hubby bonkers. at times, i don't really have any idea of how little he can see, cuz he does so well. and well, he just doesn't LOOK blind. with my son, i have the opposite problem. i tend to do too much for him, cuz there is no mistaking that he has issues. and i don't push him enough to do more for himself. i am always amazed at how much he can do, if he really wants to, whether its finding the granola box when he's hungry after dinner, working the tv and dvd player, or getting his needs across to me without words.

so how bout you? know anyone with a disability? live with someone? i'd love to hear your story in the comments. and lets celebrate today those we know and love who are living with a disability. they are so much more than their diagnoses!