Since I still have three children at home heading back to school this year that means we are going to hit our local Target and the mall! My guide dog Chiffon, my two youngest boys with their oldest sister Alina, and I all hit the mall to do the back-to-school shopping. My oldest son, Colin, […]
blind mom
Vacation Time at the Lake: Reflections from a Blind Mother
I have been reminded over this past week, while my family and I were at Mercer lake in Florence Oregon, how the four fundamentals in life are often taken for granted: 1) family, 2) friendship, 3) fun, and 4) fellowship. When things are still and quiet, and we are removed from our everyday busy lives, […]
The Test: Reflections from a Blind Mom
Have you ever been put to the test? Or, been asked to take the test? I’m sure you will know what I’m talking about once you hear my story… Somehow, whether, you are low vision, or totally blind, you have been appointed with the characteristic of independent. This independent label is almost never self-appointed, rather […]
Feeling Uncertain: Playtime as a Blind Mom
This morning, my husband and I took our three-year-old son Desmond, to the Community Center indoor, play park. When we first arrived at the play park, I told my husband to head into the gymnasium with our son, while Chiffon, my guide dog, and I paid at the counter. As Chiffon and I approached the […]
National Braille Press Valentine’s Card Spreads the Love
I’ll admit it; I’m a hopeless romantic! One of my absolute favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day, of course! Since becoming a mom, I’ve gotten my daughters into the spirit and together we make and mail dozens of Valentine’s Day cards every year. In our house, every recipient on our list receives “2” versions of Valentine’s – […]
How Being A Blind Mother Is Like Being On the Walking Dead
We have a strict rule in our house…Sunday nights, from 9-10pm, both kids must be in bed. There is no talking. No cell-phones and absolutely no weekend sex. Ain’t nobody got time for that when they could be watching Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon take on a herd of walkers! The post-apocalyptic world of zombies versus […]
My Disability Is Not An Excuse for Bad Manners
Six months after being declared legally blind, the universe threw me the mother of all curve balls when I discovered I was pregnant. Adapting to my newly acquired disability while simultaneously preparing to become a mom was extremely overwhelming. I found myself in desperate need of emotional support. There was a time when I made […]
Top 10 Strategies for Avoiding Unnecessary Shopping Trips
As a blind mom of two toddlers who also happens to have a husband with an unpredictable work schedule; I pride myself on being prepared. I don’t usually get the opportunity to go food shopping (if ever) and I can’t live my life relying on the kindness of strangers to feed my family. Since having […]
Chocolate Braille Bars
Easter baskets. As parents, it’s our responsibility to fill them. I put a lot of thought into what my kids might enjoy in their baskets, even though they are both only toddlers. Truth be told, they would probably be happy with anything at this age, but mommy strives for perfection. (Clearly, I have issues.) While […]
The “Real” Reason I’m A Helicopter Mom
Helicopter mom. If you’re a millenial parent, then surely you’ve heard term. Those of us bestowed with this less than charming title are given it because we tend to “hover” over our children in public, swooping in to rescue them at the first sign of danger. Venture over to any public playground and you will […]