Prepare to be blind

I may be over sensitive about my son's situation this weekend but that's just the way it is and I won't be apologizing for it in case anyone is looking for an apology.

Friday, I attended his MRT at his school. I'm not exactly sure what it stands for but it basically ensures that he'll continue to get the necessary accommodations at school.

Of course what I realized is that I still have to double and triple check with everyone at the school and that still doesn't mean they'll do what they're supposed to. This year he had to take three major tests (some college credit) during make-up times because the school was not prepared the way they were supposed to be (by law).

The worst part about the meeting was when his vision teacher suggested that it was time for his mobility training to help him get around. At first, I think my son and I were okay with it because it will help him learn the public transportation system. It will be good for him to learn how to get around since he won't be able to drive.

Then, the vision teacher said a word we never thought we'd hear. She said that my son will also learn how to use the white-tipped cane. The CANE! He's legally blind but not functionally blind so I didn't understand why on earth he needs to use the cane. Then, when I looked over at my son I could see that his whole body had stiffened and his face went blank with fear.

While all of his friends are getting their driver's licenses, my son is hearing this woman tell him that he needs to start learning how to use a cane. I literally wanted to take off my shoe and throw it at her. (I know that's wrong but that's how I felt).

This weekend, I'm realizing exactly how hard some things are going to be for my son. I knew it was coming but it really hit home when I heard the 'cane' word. I wish I could take his place. I wish so much that he could just have his full sight. I hope and pray that he'll overcome it all. I've seen some amazing people do awesome things despite vision loss but I've seen others just kind of hide from the world. He's so strong and smart but he's sensitive too and the next few years in high school are going to have some really painful moments.

Needless to say, he's not going to be getting trained on the cane. If the day comes when he needs it, I'm sure he'll figure it out. Basically, that teacher just said to him, "Prepare to be blind." That's not what any 15-year old should ever hear!

Doesn't she realize it's our mission to fight blindness?