[nagdu] Parental Attitudes

[Marion & Martin]

Mark et Al,
    This whole exchange brings back a significant memory in my transition from the sighted world into blindness. When I was in my early 30s - about 2 or 3 years ago (smile) - and when my RP progression was rather quick, I went to visit my mom and stepfather. Since I only got there every 6 - 8 months, there was a pretty significant and noticeable change in my eyesight. Dimly lit rooms, like the bar my mom owned, were increasingly challenging and my narrowing field made finding items using eyesight difficult, too. 
    I had been using a white cane for about 4 years and was considering getting a guide dog. I talked about this over dinner one night, just a matter-of-fact statement like, "I've been thinking about getting a guide dog!" I was just making conversation, not asking for approval or input, as I have had dogs most of my life and they were always welcomed when I visited family. My stepfather (with whom I did not grow up) either didn't believe I was going blind or just didn't want to hear anything about it, would ridicule me for such things as using my cane and asking such things as "Where's the ketchup?" One day I called my mom and he answered the phone. 
    "So, what's all this s**t about getting a guide dog? It's bad enough you think you need to use that stupid stick, but a guide dog? You know what that's doing to your mom?"
    Well," I answered, "do you know what it's doing to me?" 
    That was the end of that conversation!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala