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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>What does it mean to be blind?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When I lost my sight I thought it meant my life was over. I thought it meant isolation and loss of my independence, . I thought it meant people would look at me with pity. “I thought it meant I would lose my business and never be able to work again. Now I have a different answer to that question. I know losing my sight means alternate ways of doing things. It means advocating for myself. It means power, strength, grit, and resiliency <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What’s the difference between the too? The NFB Of Massachusetts. When I found the NFB or should I say, it found me, I knew things would be alright. Don’t get me wrong, I was still scared but I knew things would work out. I found a group of likeminded people who were figuring it out together. TOGETHER is the key word.” This is a direct quote from a NFB member.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you are a part of this NFB Family, you know exactly what this member means. If you’re just learning about us, WELCOME and we’re happy you are here!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please join us at our NFB of Massachusetts State Convention. It is In Salem, Massachusetts and it runs from Friday, March 15 through Sunday March 17. Please go towww.nfbma.org to be a part of the difference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We want you and will you be so happy you did! If you have already registered… Thank you and we can’t wait to see you!!! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'>With Love, Hope and Determination, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><br><br></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>