Life’s Curve Balls Published 23rd October 2012
There comes a time when we think we are getting the life juggling act right, when an unexpected Curve Ball brings it all crashing down.
Such a painful discovery occurred in my family recently. My thirteen year old nephew was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease. This disease degenerates eyesight to only being able to have peripheral vision. This means that most of your centre view is completely blurred. There is no treatment and no cure as yet. All the realizations of the limitations that come with this diagnosis flew into my gut like fireballs.
It is easy for us to say: “count your blessings” – and indeed Nicholas is blessed with many. He is a physically strong, athletic boy, above average intelligence, strong of spirit and healthy. He is blessed with parents and a brother and a family that will support him the best way possible. Yes, there is much to be grateful for.
Only parents that have experienced the shock of “disabled” news of their child can know what this must be like. The heartbreak realizations of what will never be possible – like driving a car. The pain of finally understanding what this young person has lived with already for so many years. It is absolutely astounding to know that despite the disability, he is an A student.
I bring this story to you today – since this disability is much more common than we realize.
For parents and teachers to notice are:
* The individual looks at you with head slightly turned sideways and slightly down.
*The individual will not see that which you are so clearly pointing at
*The individual will read holding the book VERY close to the eyes
* The individual will sit right at the TV and turn the head slightly sideways
How would you or how do YOU manage Life’s Curve Balls? Do you allow the ball to smash you in the face and crumble into a heap? Do you duck and avoid the situation as best you can? Or – do you catch the ball and look at it carefully, weigh it up, feel all the imperfections and find out all there is to know? Do you lay this ball at God’s ‘feet’ and share your sorrows and find your strength to shine the light on this newly discovered Life Path you are embarking on?
If Life presents you with Lemons, do you make Lemonade? Nicholas is such a young man – he has his sights on the Paralympics – watch this space…..
Life Coach and Motivational Speaker Ermelo
www.karin-engman.blogspot.com
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