I hit an all time low this week. Personally inflicting pain upon my child daily is very tough on the heart. Not only that, but I see her struggle daily trying to read books by nuzzling her face as close as she can to see the words and pictures. Today, we had to leave the library story time halfway through the first book because the book had hard to see water color pictures and Elly threw a major patch yanking, glasses throwing tantrum because she was frustrated that she couldn’t see. My happy go-nature child has become fearful, clingy, and definitely not happy. The ophthalmologist explained that we have taken her vision away and that it is a traumatic experience, and that now is the time when most parents give up. We will hang in there, but there are times when it is hard.
On the flip side, our vision journey has strengthened our family. I am even more in love with my husband every day. He has been such a wonderful partner sharing ideas and coming up with lists of questions for each DR visit. When he comes home from work and Elly is frustrated with patching – he will put one on too. I am also very blessed that we have access to great doctors, health insurance, enough money to purchase glasses and patches, and an education that allows us to make informed decisions. When I am having the low days, it is important to remind myself that we really are very fortunate and blessed.
For Little Eyes 
That was a wonderful post, it is wonderful to hear how thankful you are and such a nice reminder to all of us to always count our blessings along with our hardships! Thank you for sharing.
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I’m so sorry. This sounds heart-rending. I had never thought of patching as taking away vision, but yes, that’s what we’re doing – and in the name of improving vision. But I agree with Linda, what a great reminder to keep in mind all that we have to be grateful for.
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I am currently patching my little one as well. However, I have very boring nude patches as opposed to your daughters very hip ones. It is amazing when men do silly things that they do so naturally, that at times completely melt your heart. My daighter is farsighted with esotropia, and she seems to alternate between crossing her right and left eye. It seems though to happen more frequently with her left eye. So we patch her right for an hour a day in the hopes that over the next few months it will do the trick and we will not have to go for surgery.
I wish you and your family the best of luck. And, have to say that this site has offered me piece of mind when I am having a tough day. And, hearing others struggles and triumphs gives me a sense of peace in knowing that we are not alone.
Take care.
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