Yesterday we drove through a snow storm resembling the planet Hoth to make it to Elisabeth's eye appointment in Spokane. She hadn't seen Dr. Snow since November 20th when he diagnosed the cortical blindness. At that time he was hoping to see improvement telling us that often times the brain will re-route functions to to healthier areas of the brain. He decided to have us come every few months to monitor progress.
Unfortunatley, yesterdays visit showed no improvement. I think he was nervous about "breaking" the news to us. I am sure it must not be easy to tell parents of a young baby that their child will always be blind. But we had kind of figured so much already. He sweetly told Elisabeth, "Sorry Pumpkin, I just don't think those eyes are going to get any better".
He is sending a letter to the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind regarding Elisabeth. He thinks that we should get involved with them ASAP for help and support with raising a blind child.
Surprisingly, Donald and I found this final diagnoses to be somewhat of a relief. It seems that ever since the pregnancy everything has been "maybe" or "we'll see what happens" or "we just don't know". It's comforting to finally have something confirmed so that we can start moving forward.
I recently had the opportunity, through the National Federation of the Blind, to get in touch with a local woman who has been blind for the past 6 years. Here is something she told me in an email that really made an impression on me, "I had many years of viewing blindness as a terrible loss and tragedy before I learned the truth. With proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to nothing more than a bother."
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December Break
4 weeks ago
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9 comments:
Once again, you and Donald amaze me with your awesome perspective. Elisabeth is truly blessed to have you both as parents.
And I feel blessed to have the opportunity to watch you handle life so gracefully.
I feel honored to read your words about your experience in raising your precious daughter. Bless your family.
Monday night at dinner I was telling Ryan all about the luncheon and how I was lucky enough to hold Elisabeth. Of course, my childen were dying to know who Elisabeth was so I explained that she was daddy's cousin's daughter. {their cousin} Later that night, I was reading your blog and Easton was looking over my shoulder and read something about Elisabeth's condition. He asked what it meant and I explained to him some of the complications she had when she was born and about her possible blindness. To which he replied "Elisabeth is a really cute baby and I bet she will be able to read with her fingers. That's really cool. I wish I could read with my fingers because then when my eyes are tired I could still finish my book."
You and Donald are amazing.
I'm so glad that you guys made it safe and sound to Hoth and back. You're brave, I probably would have chickened out and rescheduled. But I agree with you. It does feel so good to have an actual diagnosis at least on something. The peace that you both feel after hearing the news was definitely worth the trip!
Elisabeth is so beautiful, and I know that your family will be so blessed just having her in your family. She will teach everyone that she comes in contact with a little something about true love.
I think that these comments before mine really say it all. Your continually positive outlook is so inspiring! I have a lot to learn and i feel like I learn some of the best and most important things from you and your family. When other people may not be up to a challenge you always seem to face them with dignity and a positive outlook which makes all the difference in the end. There's a quote that I absolutely love and that reminds me of you :]
"Life is made up of 10% external circumstances and the other 90% is how you deal with the obstacles you face."
You handle things with such grace.... oh I hope to be more like you and donald! I love you all so much...
I am glad you survived your trip. You are in my prayers. I am impressed by your strength and attitude.
Thank heavens for music. If there was any house that SOUNDS like a happy and fulfilled house....it's yours.
Did I read that right? Going through the snow to see Dr. Snow.
It was great to see you at the luncheon and Elisabeth is such a sweet and beautiful baby. Blessings don't always come packaged the way we expect do they?
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