As Iāve shared before, we were given a grim perspective of Eddieās future when he received the diagnosis of optic nerve hypoplasia. We were abruptly told he was blind, "severely handicapped," and then being asked, "Do you know what that means?" As a young mother in a small doctorās office, the answer was obviously "No." … Continued
Three or four years ago I was helping teach a summer camp for children who are blind. My son was the right age for the camp, but developmentally he wasnāt ready. The kids were learning how to take a bus, prepare meals, and even ride tandem bikes. While I was captaining one of these bikes, … Continued
Many children who are visually impaired are also diagnosed with autism, including my son Eddie. For Eddie, it was simply because his blindness alone could not explain his developmental delays…and we needed more answers. When he was given the ālabelā of autism at five, it seemed the best explanation for concerns that could not be … Continued
The other morning I woke up with my 7-year-old in bed with me (which happens sometimes) and we were listening to Eddie down the hall. He typically wakes up and immediately turns on his bedside radio, which is how we know heās up. As we lay there quietly, my daughter started peppering me with questions … Continued
While Eddieās sisters were attending a volleyball camp recently, Eddie and I had a rare opportunity to spend a few hours alone. Although I had plenty of errands to run, and things to do, I decided to take it slow and operate on Eddie time. We began by visiting my sister and her fiancé and … Continued
When Eddie was younger, Iād take him to the grocery store and talk about everything. Iād point out what was on the shelves, the various smells, and even how much things cost. I was teaching him the concept of āgrocery storeā…and he was not impressed. So, grocery stores were hard with him, and over time … Continued
When Eddie was younger, Iād take him to the grocery store and talk about everything. Iād point out what was on the shelves, the various smells, and even how much things cost. I was teaching him the concept of āgrocery storeā…and he was not impressed. So, grocery stores were hard with him, and over time … Continued
When Eddie was younger, Iād take him to the grocery store and talk about everything. Iād point out what was on the shelves, the various smells, and even how much things cost. I was teaching him the concept of āgrocery storeā…and he was not impressed. So, grocery stores were hard with him, and over time … Continued
This summer I have been constantly surprised by Eddie. When his actions exceed my expectations, Iām almost ashamed that Iām surprised. I should expect him to be clever, teachable, and funny. Yet, I donāt always see it coming. As we go into another school year…Iām going to expect the unexpected. Iām going to expect to … Continued
We just returned from our annual trip to the ocean. As Eddie gets older, and has a better understanding of his environment, travel has become more challenging. He misses the predictability of home, and going on a trip means almost anything can happen. The rest of Eddieās family loves that. Eddie…not so much. Driving to … Continued