[nabs-l] Families misunderstanding real world

[Beth Taurasi]

You're so weird. *grin*  I say that to all those who get the point 
right.  I recently got a firestorm of bad comments and a false statement 
made to me on Facebook regarding my capabilities to date due to mental 
health issues.  An old VI teacher even said I had to have legal action 
taken to ensure that I don't chase after boys.  WEll, that was high 
school, this is post college.  I'm not in college and could not finish 
my degree because of all this drama surrounding my life, and this is 
just what my family wants me to do, give up, resign, etc.  Blake is a 
really great guy and I don't deserve this unsupportive comment right now.
Beth
On 11/21/2013 9:53 AM, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:
> Beth,
>
> Unfortunately, this will just happen sometimes in life, whether it be
> family, friends or strangers. At the end of the day, you just need to
> move forward and not even deal with people like this. It's difficult
> with family, but I wouldn't engage them unless at a family gathering. If
> they seek you out, ignore it. You living your life will prove more than
> any words.
>
> I'm a formally sighted person, but when I lost my sight, I didn't really
> think one way over another about dating a blind person or sighted
> person. Some people in my life assumed I would need a sighted person to
> care for me, but I didn't really accept that concept. Plus, I don't like
> being told what I can and can not do, grin.
>
> My husband is also blind, but it has nothing to do with sight or
> blindness. We met, and it was just the right person. He could have been
> a Martian for all it mattered, because eight years later, I know it was
> the right decision, right person.
>
> I wasn't even looking for a relationship at the time; it just happened.
> Though I have my list, disability wasn't on it, or at least was on the
> bottom. I saw him for him, and he saw me for me. We were not looking at
> a single aspect of one another or what the other could do for us. And
> let me tell you, love at first sight is possible when blind, smile.
>
> Don't think in terms of sighted or blind, disabled or not. Don't assume
> no one wants to date you because you're blind. Be confident, try things
> like initiating conversation, and just be your self. If a guy doesn't
> want to be involved, that's his loss.
>
> Plus, let me guess, you're in your 20's right? There's plenty of time to
> settle down. There's nothing wrong with being single, and if you feel
> you're ready for a relationship, put yourself out there, but stop
> thinking blindness is a strike against you. This negative aura will be
> picked up by others.
>
> As for children, I have a very
> Active 15 month-old, and I'm a stay-at-home parent right now. Not only
> am I able to competently and safely raise a child, but I've been
> recognized in my community for doing so. Though I'm doing nothing
> spectacular, the local media has put a spotlight on me and my family
> since Ross and I are blind parents. We've had an amazing opportunity to
> demonstrate how it's possible to be a blind parent. And honestly, I do
> little differently than a sighted parent. Raising kids isn't easy, but
> it really shouldn't be more difficult for blind people than anyone else.
>
> So, present your argument diplomatically and intelligently, but really,
> that's all you can do. It's up to others to accept what you present, and
> if they're close-minded, that's not your problem. Know you are just as
> capable of dating, being independent, raising children and anything else
> as a sighted person.
>
> Which BTW, my Little Guy is squeezing himself into a very tight spot
> trying to reach some cords. Better run, grin!
>
> Bridgit
>
>
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