Dear RP,
You first introduced yourself into my life when I was three years old and I was diagnosed with your disease when I was six. I am now eighteen and a lot of things have changed when it comes to my visual impairment. You’ve caused my vision to deteriorate a lot over the last few years and lately I’m noticing a gradual deterioration every day.
I’m writing this letter to let you know that I won’t let you get me down, you won’t get the better of me. I feel down because of you some days but I try to maintain a positive outlook on life.
You have made me feel isolated so many times in my life, I’ve suffered from lack of confidence and still do and that’s mostly down to you, although I can’t blame it all on you because that would be wrong as it isn’t all your fault.
People have misconceptions and preconceptions when it comes to sight loss, some of these can be hurtful and can make us visually impaired people feel different or isolated within society. I want you RP to know that I have felt like this at times but I’ve decided that I no longer need to. Why should I worry about what people think of me? And why should I worry if people see me differently to ‘normal’ people? What is ‘normal’ anyway? The fact that I can’t see as well as others doesn’t make me any less human.
That’s my ramble about society and misconceptions over and done with, now let’s talk about you… There’s been a breakthrough in the last few weeks that might allow some people who suffer with you, RP, to regain some of their vision. This is a breakthrough made for fully blind people but more and more research is being made everyday and, one day, you will be conquered. I’m not sure when that day will be but it will come around. I have to admit that I’m on the fence in terms of how I’d personally feel about getting my eyesight back though.
I won’t deny that you’ve made my life difficult but I don’t want to slate you throughout this. There are some good things amongst all of this. You’ve allowed me to become a more determined person and to have a positive outlook on life. You’ve also allowed me to be a part of a sight loss community and meet some amazing people. I also came across the opportunity for my first job because of you. I’ve learned to embrace my disability and accept it even though it’s difficult, I think I manage quite well overall. You won’t get the better of me and that’s that.
So, RP, even though living with you is a struggle and even though I don’t like being treated differently because of you, I am grateful to you for so many things in my life, having you as a disability isn’t all bad but that doesn’t excuse how hard you’ve made it for me. I hope that one day you can be treated, I’m not sure how I’d feel about treatment and getting rid of you because you’re a part of me but I guess we’ll see what happens when that day comes, if it does come that is.
Just know that even though you’re a part of me, you will never define me, not fully anyway. I’m determined to maintain a positive outlook on life, that’s my main goal. I hope I’ll be able to raise more awareness of the affects you have on many people’s lives. I hope more and more people will be able to understand in the future.
Right, that’s all I have to say for now – I have so much more I want to say to you but we’ll leave that for another day, please try your best not to make things harder before then.
Elin
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The Comments
lifeofablindgirl
An incredible post girl, I love the concept behind this, it’s such a unique blog post idea! It’s admirable how you haven’t let your sight loss hold you back, I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and the lovely, caring person you are. You never let you let your visual impairment hold you back, you should be proud of yourself! xxx
My Blurred World
lifeofablindgirlYou have no idea how much this means to me! Thank you so much lovely. You are amazing and I can’t thank you enough for all of your support. I’m so lucky to call you my best friend 💗 xxx
lifeofablindgirl
My Blurred WorldI feel very lucky to call you mine too 💗 xxx
yvonnelindiee
Great post. Never let your visual impairment get the better of you. You are amazing xx
My Blurred World
yvonnelindieeThank you so much!xx
Fatmatta Wurie
I love this!!! This is amazing and very easy to relate too. I suffer from Stargardts, but I never thought of writing an open letter to my visual impairment. It’s needed for all of us who suffer from anything. I am very happy you did this. And you have inspired me.
My Blurred World
Fatmatta WurieIt’s so lovely to hear this, thank you so much! I’m glad you can relate in some way 🙂
Fatmatta Wurie
My Blurred WorldYou’re welcome
The Average Gurl
I love this post! I also love ramble posts. Remember that you are strong and because of your disability you have become more stronger. have a lovely evening/day xxx
My Blurred World
The Average GurlThank you so much! That means a lot. You too xxx
outnaboutweb
This wasn’t a weird post at all, don’t you worry about that. In fact it was very eye opening. You are such a courageous girl and I wish all the best! Stay just as positive as you are!
love, elena 🙂
outnaboutweb.wordpress.com
My Blurred World
outnaboutwebAw thank you so much! This means a lot. Thank you for reading 🙂
Tabi Bee
You are so inspiring and a great role model! This was so inspirational, I hope you never let it get you down because you truly are amazing! 🙂 <3
My Blurred World
Tabi BeeThis really made me smile, thank you so much! This honestly means so much <3
Tabi Bee
My Blurred WorldYour every welcome! 😊❤️