Blessed beyond comprehension

Today a friend at work showed me her blog. She assured me that it was something simple that even I could do. I was anxious to get started as I wanted to share. Thank you JT.

I have been reading several blogs tonight and realize that there are a lot of amazing people out there that I don't personally know but am grateful for their courage in sharing their experiences. I feel blessed in so many ways right now and have come to realize that I take a lot for granted.

My husband, KD, is legally blind. He has been this way since birth. He was born with congenital cataracts which were removed when he was a child. We have been married since August 2000. I'm amazed each day by his determination to be independent and not rely so much on others. In 2005 KD had his right eye removed after years of pain. This has not stopped him from finding a great job and being successful in it. He is also going to college and finally finding success after several attempts. For KD the college experience isn't like that you and I may have or will experience. In order for him to take notes, complete assignments and take tests he needs assistance. This assistance may be in the form of large print, audio, actual individuals who volunteer to read and scribe for him. It has been frustrating but he is pushing on and doing quite well.

KD and I have been blessed with four beautiful boys. Z, KT, A and B. Before Z was born we knew there was a 50/50 chance that any and possibly all of our children could be born with an eye condition that would categorize them as legally blind.

In March 2001 Z was born. Almost immediately we knew he had cataracts. At two months old those cataracts were removed and he was given glasses to wear. At the age of three Z began to attend school at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. He attended two years of preschool and Kindergarten at USDB. When it was time for him to start first grade we decided to mainstream him to public school. He is your typical 7 year old. He is doing very well in school and does not let his disABILITY hinder him in anyway.

We were blessed with KT in April of 2002. KT does not, to this point, have any eye conditions that cause him to have abnormal vision. He is 6 years old and doing well in school. Sweet KT helps out as much as he can when he is asked to look for shoes, toys, etc for his brothers. Rarely does he complain but simply says "yes" and does it. I don' t know that I could be that selfless if I were in his shoes.

A became a part of our family in September 2004. At birth he aspirated some fluids and spent a week in NICU. A was born with Aniridia which by definition is the "Congenital absence of all but the root of the iris." A's eyes look like they are always dilated. He is very light sensitive. A reacted to glasses completely differently from Z. Just this past year he has realized how helpful they are to him and actually keeps them on all day. Last year A attended his first year of preschool at USDB. He is not in his second year. At A's IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting at the end of the school year last year we were encouraged to mainstream him. Although we were told this would be our decision it sure felt like we were being pushed out. We consented and enrolled A in preschool at a public school just for the afternoon class.

At the beginning of the year we felt very uneasy about A being mainstreamed. We spoke with is new teacher at USDB who was new to the school and not a part of the IEP last year. She felt confident that there was not a need for A to be mainstreamed this year. If necessary he could be moved up to the next class because he was doing so well academically. So for now, that's where we are. A is attending preschool at USDB full time and loving every day.

Finally in March 2006 B was born. B wanted to come early. I had never really experienced contractions due to being induced with Z and immediately given an epidoral and then having to have an emergency c-seciton. I had c-sections with all of the boys. At 36 weeks B wanted out. B gave the opportunity to experience those contractions. However, being early he wasn't quite developed. His lungs needed more time so he spent several days in NICU.

B was born with congenital cataracts as well as a form of aniridia. His vision is the worst. Just like his brothers, he has adapted and gets around without too much difficulty. He will be receiving his glasses any day and we are hoping he keeps them on and realizes how much more he can see with them.

Although we struggle with education for our children and the lack of resources there are out there for them right now, we must remember that we have been blessed. I remind myself often that we have been given the opportunity to raise these children and are charged with the responsibilty to teach them well. I also must remember that I truly believe that we are not expected to deal with more than we have the strength to handle. I am humbled that I have been entrusted with these precious souls and blessed that I am able to learn so much from KD and the boys.