[blparent] Introducing Myself And Praising The Value Of This List

[Kane Brolin]

Greetings.

Although I grew up influenced by those who had taken in bits of
Federation philosophy, it is only in the past 3-½ years that I have
become active in the National Federation of the Blind.  For most of my
adult life, I have lived in places that did not have a chapter close
by; so in 2012, with no prior experience of organizing people in any
sense like this, I was persuaded to become a co-founder and officer in
a brand-new chapter of the National Federation of the Blind that has
formed in the border area around North-Central Indiana and
Southwestern Michigan.

Until last fall, my chapter had only about six active and committed
members.  And even though we've begun picking up momentum, as a leader
I am still trying to figure things out on a lot of fronts.  So I am
excited to have found the Blind Parents list and am thankful that
Deborah and a few others have worked hard to keep it relevant.  I am
myself a blind parent.  Well into my middle age, I have become the
adoptive father of three children (ranging from ages 2 to 7) and a
foster parent to two infants of less than 6 months old.  Because of
how great NOPBC is, I find that a ton of information may be found in
"The Braille Monitor" and "Future Reflections" applying to the parents
of blind children; but if I am the blind parent of a sighted child,
tips and resources are harder to locate.

So I look forward to interacting with you all more in the future, and
I especially am interested in learning of ways I can play an
increasingly active role in my kids' education--helping with homework
and the like--as the things they do become more challenging.

On a final note, I am very heartened that a solution is being worked
out that may lead to someone's adopting that lovely-sounding Chinese
boy.  What a fantastic blessing for both the new parent and for Jimmy!

Warm regards,

Kane Brolin, Vice President
Michiana Chapter, National Federation of the Blind
Mishawaka, Indiana USA