Friday, September 5, 2008

Don't give up!


Yesterday was a HUGE day for my family!!! Emily, the youngest, has been blind all her life. Everywhere we go, she keeps her eyes closed, because she has nothing to look at. She keeps her head down, with no reason to hold it up. People always comment, "Awwww, she's sleeping". 'No, actually she's blind, but she can hear you' has always been my response, then they shudder away in some asinine attempt to avoid catching blindness.
I took her to yet another vision doctor, one who specializes in muscle disorders to get a final opinion, and hopefully some therapeutic advice, or the final confirmation of her diagnosis. Well, apparently, the other doctors wrote her off so quickly, they didn't bother to test her for nearsightedness. They looked for a medical anomaly to explain the lack of vision, always blaming it on Optic Nerve Atrophy, or Cortical Visual Impairment (Translation: I dont know why she can't see). Yesterday an incredibly patient, intelligent doctor took a look at her, asked me if we had a history of nearsightedness in the family, and when I said 'Yes, very much' she smiled and said "Well, she has some random muscular movements, but she is also very nearsighted!"....... WHAT?!?!?!
She said she wasn't going to guarantee glasses would help 100%, but she was sure that without them, there was no doubt Emily wasn't able to see!!!!
As if a miracle happened, my little babe put on her glasses, opened her eyes WIDE and started looking around and smiling!
The moral to this story: Don't give up! Unless there is no heartbeat there is hope! Things change, the brain begins to repair itself, people heal, emotionally and physically! This news couldn't come at a better time!

9 comments:

Luly The Joyful Cropper said...

What a blessing for you and your little Emily. I will continue to pray for her improvements big and small. My mom and familyare thrilled and we are all overjoyed.

She can finally take a look and see what an amazing mom and sister she has.

Happy Happy JOY JOY!

Julie said...

Soooo so so so so happy for you guys!!!! I just can't even imagine how high you all must be flying right now. What a truly amazing experience - being able to see for the first time, and you - being able to witness it.

Jenn said...

Oh my gosh, I got teary-eyed reading your post! I am so excited for Emily!!!! Wish I could see her smile at me, knowing she can see me smiling back!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an amazing event for your family and a great day for Emily.

Anne Marie said...

That is so awesome. You are such a good mom! It is important as parents that we always advocate for our children and fight for them. I am so happy for you both.

Anonymous said...

Wow Luanne! This news left me teary eyed with joy for Emily, you and the rest of the family. What an absolutely tremendous event to happen! I am overjoyed for all of you and yes, as Luly said, now she can see her amazing family. Bless you all!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Luanne, what an amazing experience for your family! Good news is so infrequent these days. Please post more when you're able, about Emily's progress and joyous discoveries!

Lynn Mathers

Anonymous said...

Awesome news, Luanne! I really meant all that blather in your mom's card, too. Take care of you and yours.

Toni said...

Ah, beautiful! (the story AND your daughter). And you're so correct in saying there is always hope. I never give up on my kids either; mild CP, mild autism, and Tourette Syndrome are some of the special needs we address daily. They're awesome kids and we're blessed to be guiding them. Found you while looking at altered art.
Blessings,
~Toni~