Recently someone told me they found my blog with the key words - good life and retinitis pigmentosa. Any one that knows me knows I am very low tech and it is an accomplishment that I can post a picture on my blog so I don't know how key words work but I have found this intriguing! So, being in a reflective mood - I will share my thoughts of how the two mingle in my mind.
Indeed I feel like I have a very good life. The blessings of a joyful relationship with my husband, children, and parents indeed = a good life. Colleagues and friends that bless my life in their own way = a good life. A career that I love = a good life. The simple comforts of life = a good life. Some opportunities to have adventure and joy = a good life. Health = a good life. A beautiful guide dog = good life. The list could go on...
Then comes the Retinitis Pigmentosa - blindness. How does that equal a good life. Somehow admist the challenge indeed it equals a good life. If it wasn't blindness it would be something else ... each of you reading this has dealt with challenges in your life. Yes, at times Retinitis Pigmentosa is a real challenge. When I need to be to work and the ride that I planned on is delayed I think oh, I wish I could hop in the car before I hurry and plan for my next option. But during that time of reaching and searching for the next option -- growth happens. This growth bit by bit over the past 27 years I wouldn't trade. Yes, it hurts when someone acknowledges they just don't feel comfortable with a friendship that includes blindness. However, it has created deep, meaningful friendships with those that are willing to learn, get past that barrier and realize its not really that big of a deal. It has helped me gain confidence and acceptance in who I am and not for others. It has strengthened me. It has given me compassion to know what it feels like to not be included. Sometimes it is hard to realize I missed visually something that was really cool to see. However, I have learned the joys and multiple ways of experiencing life -- hearing, touching, tasting, smelling are all delicious. It has helped me find joy in the simplicity of life. Embarrassing moments - indeed they happen in blindness. I have learned to laugh at myself. What a gift.
I hope someone else finds my blog through those words: Good Life. Retinitis Pigmentosa. I embrace Retinitis Pigmentosa as a teacher ... sometimes a difficult teacher, sometimes an uninvited teacher, but mostly a gentle, kind teacher if I will stop and let it be.
The journeys of Becky, blind from retinitis pigmentosa, and her beauitiful guide dogs.
10 comments:
Life is good because of your attitude and how you deal with the positives and negatives in your life. You are an example of such goodness. What a wonderful example to so many. We love you dearly.
Mom and Dad
Amen Sister!!!! I love it!!!! And good on that person who used those search terms. Sounds like either they were looking for how to have a good life with RP or maybe they already have a good life with RP and wanted to find others, who knows. I love it though, and I have to ask if I can link to this post?
What a great post!! You are an example to so many! I'd like to link this post on my site as well...I hope you don't mind. :)
What a lovely post, thank you for sharing this with us. My son Skyler was born legally blind, I am sure that he too will have a good life.
You do have an amazing attitude and it is inspiring to know someone who can find the blessing in what others might consider a curse. As I travel my own journey with visual impairment (I had a cataract removed last year that has grown another film...surgery tomorrow on that eye...waiting on the other eye), I can't help but feel lucky to work at GDB and learn that losing your sight doesn't equate to losing your life. I believe God places us where we need to be to learn the lessons we need for our journey. Thank you for being one of those teachers.
Becky, you are amazing in so many ways. Your ability to look for the 'positives' in every situation of your life continues to teach me. You inspire me every day. I am so lucky to have you for my friend.
I am sad for those who aren't comfortable with blindness, other disabilities or things out of the "norm" in their perception. That tells me they are a prisoner in a world that accepts nothing less than perfection. I know from past experience such a world is loaded with miserable pitfalls since being human and perfection are not compatible states.
I am glad that you have found a way to deal with RP in a productive peaceful manner and that you are open to all the lessons it presents you. That's a sign of a true heart in my book.
Ah, thanks mom and dad!
Ro and Jennohara - of course you can link! How nice of you.
Azaera - yes, indeed your son skyler will have a great life sky is the limit for skyler :D
Mary - oh so sorry to hear what you have been going through - hope it goes well. And yes what a great place to be!
Debi - thank you - such a dear friend you are.
RR - thank you and love your way of saying it ... like the true heart concept.
I love your blog. I just found you through a Google search for RP. My husband has had RP for many years. We just found out last week that our 12 year old daughter has signs of RP. Do any of your kids have RP or any signs of it?
Robyn
Robyn; So nice of you to comment. In answer to your question - no neither one of our children has RP. I am the only one in my family with RP -- have two brothers. I was 13 when it was discovered that I had RP ... if your daughter ever wants to talk or anything, let me know.
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