Many, many thanks to Melissa for writing this and giving us permission to repost it. It was originally posted at her blog, The Glovers. -Ann Z
I believe in Dr. Cogen because he doesn’t sugar coat things & uses lots of analogies. I believe that some of the patches smell weird & I cannot figure out why. It’s usually the green ones, but I like that color because they remind me of garbage trucks. I believe that some people probably think I talk about The Eye too much. Those people must not be moms. I believe that most people are shocked by a 1 year old wearing an eye patch, which is why they stare at us. I forget about it & usually think people are staring because I have dressed him very cute that day, or maybe he is waving at them & they are impressed with his adorable personality. I really do believe this. I believe God knew I was going to have to quit my job to patch my kid & had my mom move here to prevent that. I believe that his glasses are a magnet for dirt, smudges and scratches. “Scratchproof” -ha! I believe that we should get the senior discount at Kroger on Wednesdays because Anderson has a cataract & bifocals. Technically, he qualifies. I believe that nobody who works at Disney has a kid in glasses because if they did there would be more than one character with glasses. And, Little Einsteins is so awful, nobody watches it, so it doesn’t even count. AND, can we please get Jake & the Pirates and Jack Sparrow an eye patch? Really, is it that hard? They’re pirates! I believe in miracles, but the eye success will not be a miracle. No, no, no. It will be a hard won battle. I believe that Anderson is going to be so flexible, adaptable & empathetic in life. I believe that is not a coincidence that my son’s glasses are round, just like like Harry Potter’s. It would have been so easy for JK Rowling to make Harry have perfect vision, but she realized that true heroes always have a weakness, which makes them just a bit stronger. I will forever love her for not taking the normal path & giving the smart one (Hermione) or the nerdy one (Neville) glasses. I believe that this patching business is a routine on the best of days & an inconvenience on the worst of days & never, ever a tragedy, despite my frustrations. I believe so, so much in his little face with the one eye looking back at me.
For Little Eyes 
wow, this made me have a little tear. Just beautifully written and so true. Can definitely identify with so much of this! Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Only moms can understand this! Brought out a tear in my eye…the last line. I believe your child will be a better person for the kind of courage and attitude you have shown in accepting the situation. Much as we dream, life is as it is, and perfect is not the word for describing it. Just discovered that my cute little button needs glasses, and I started to cry when I realized that she has never known what normal vision is and she is such a voracious reader! I never wore glasses and I am grappling with accepting this!
LikeLike
Thank you Melissa…. you made my day !
LikeLike
I love this, well said!! I have a little girl that is 3 and yes, you are right, when we go out patched people are so annoying with their stares and even worse when they ask “why is she wearing a patch?” She has been amazing since day 1 with patching and wearing her glasses. It makes me so mad when people stare or comment, almost like they are making her think its odd when she doesn’t mind 1 bit thus far, Agghhh!
LikeLike
oh for the record, I know some people think I talk about THE EYE too much but you know what, I believe we are just being the best parent we can be, trying to give our little ones the absolute best shot at the best vision they can possibly have and that’s ok 🙂
LikeLike
I like reading your blog as I found it quite touching. Actually few days before my child also started saying that she can’t see properly and I just become worried when I come to know that she has never known what normal vision is and she is a good learner.Baby Sunglasses
LikeLike
Pingback: Do glasses still equal nerdy? « little four eyes·
first time writing anything about my cataracts….Im now 41 but was born with cataract only in my left eye. My right eye is still 20/20 (God is fair) and as much as i’ve joked to my doctors that they should use me in their thesis, no one takes me seriously. For one, i know the difference between being legally blind vs 20/20 and i can EXPLAIN to the adult world the cons and pros. So for those who are in need of some sanity for their child, read on. A cataract is exactly like seeing objects underwater in a swimming pool. You see the object and can identity but its not crystal clear. I also had a lazy eye that comes with the territory with most cataract cases in early childhood due to the lack of muscle usage. I’v had a semi successful surgery only because i’ve waited too long. The procedure was not as advanced as it is today to fix the lazy eye syndrome related to cataract, but still Im so grateful and happy for the surgery. The early years, I had to wear the “pirate” black eye piece to school which i endured great ridicule from the students which i still have nostalgic scars, BUT due to my strong parental influence and my brother being next to me had made all the difference in the world. Although in hindsight I would tell a “story” behind the patch, such as “my eye needs rest because i have extra vision like superman….something to that line to ease the ridicule…comedy is the best remedy. Encouragement and making sure the eye patch is “fashionable” due to the fact no one else has it makes it special!! Having a degree in fashion has definitely made me realize that being different is the key! It’s the love, support and encouragement the family shows that sketches out the future of the child. My mother still carries the guilt as though she had done terribly wrong during pregnancy but I always tell her I’m blessed as I have a 20/20 vision on my right eye versus the stigmatism my brother has on both eyes.
LikeLike
Pingback: Reader post: imoms for a chance « little four eyes·