Living with an Disability

Accepting the fact that I am a disabled American is hard to comprehend sometimes. I am visually impaired or legally blind, which occurred when I was in my twenties. I was married with two children and a career.

When my life turned upside down, with my diagnosis that I would probably be legally blind within a year leaving me to make decisions in my life at a very young age such as: do I want more children, how will I continue my job, and how will I take care of my family.

I remember the day so clearly, when I realized I could not see my face in the mirror, out of my left eye, I had covered my right eye because it felt like there was a hair or something obstructing my view when I noticed there was a problem. I made an eye doctor appointment and went through a number of exams, tests and saw several specialists. Leading me to a blood test to confirm my diagnosis of Leber’s, the doctor called me at work to let me know the test was positive and wanted to know if I was suicidal. I didn’t have time to think about being suicidal I had a life, and had to figure out how to handle this new challenge.

I thought I would be a stay at home mom, but most moms responsibilities are transporting their children, but this meant no more driving, I had to adapt.

I think my now ex-husband couldn’t handle being married to a blind person. He left me with two teenage children to care for. We had to figure out how to get by we moved to a condo which was in walking distance to the grocery store this gave me back my independence. The store brought challenges coming home with beans when you wanted corn.

I needed to find a way to take care of my family this brought me back to school. I knew I wanted to be able to help people who are going through difficult situations, because going through this gave me a appreciation for all the people who helped me and all the walls that I came across and learned how to climb them. I can’t believe that I am a junior at Winthrop, this is such a dream sometimes I have to pinch myself. I am so nervous when I start a new semester my hands shake the first month of classes. But I’m here and no one is going to stop me.

We disabled people have challenges to overcome but, we can succeed with a little patience and understanding. I am proud to be a person with a impairment it has definitely made me stronger.