[Blindtlk] Tips In Dealing With Family Members

[Lauren Merryfield]

Hi,
Our changing through the years when family members may seem not to is quite
normal. They need to want to understand where you're coming from and some
family members might but some may not. I wonder if you have ever reassured
them that you still love them as much as you always have and that sometimes
love means letting go of old ideas or opinions about your independence etc. 

My parents are still overprotective and they've always been a mix of
overprotective and insisting that I do things all at the same time--mixed
feelings and mixed messages from way back. I think my parents wanted to make
sure I did all the normal things other offspring do, on one hand, and they
feared my getting hurt or even killed, on the other hand. It was hard for
them to let go. I moved out when I was in my twenties. Then it was up to me
to do whatever I would do. I just do what I do most of the time now. I'm
always glad to see them but I mostly just sit around with them now that they
are older. 

When my daughter reached new steps of independence, I was sometimes fearful,
but I tried to remember that my job as a parent was to help her be as
self-sufficient as possible and that eventually she would not need me that
much. And she is sighted. 
Thanks
Lauren
-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nicholas
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 3:20 PM
To: il-talk at nfbnet.org; blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Tips In Dealing With Family Members

Hi, 
 
I know I post when I need advice, and I need to try to share experiences,
but do any of you have tips on dealing with family members who don't get it?
By it I mean blindness and the fact that we are humans who deserve
independence like anyone else.  Both sides of my family seem to think that
my independence means that my love for them has decreased because I don't
let them dictate my life anymore.  Training and the NFB has shown me that
the blind can serve as equal when given an opportunity.  I have changed but
they have not.  I'm not sure they ever will.  I don't want to cut all ties
with them, but feel liberated when I am not around them and sucked down when
I am.  However, I keep going back to them for advice and "normal" stuff.
However, when I seek empathy I don't get it.  I willingly take your help,
and won't respond until I cool down.  I am known to allow my feelings to get
the best of me.  Thanks for your help.  I plan to thank those who respond in
a couple of days.

Nicholas S. Robertson, MBA
Phone: 641.660.2475
Email: robertson.nicholas at hotmail.com
            nicholas.robertson2 at va.gov


 		 	   		  
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