After a year of soul searching

It's been almost a year since my last post. Work has taken up much of my life and I've been doing some soul searchingover this past year.

It's almost 20 years since I was first diagnosed with Stargardts's. It's been quite the journey learning to cope and live with such a handicap. Overcoming physical and mental challenges and learning to live life from day to day. Its never easy but it is still bearable.

During the past year, I've been exploring matters of the mind, looking for a way to come to terms with this disability. Not that I haven't been looking in the past, but more so turning to new thoughts. Figuring out what I want, and searching for happiness.

Normality is a luxury that comes with a price.

As a person with a disability, there's nothing I wouldn't want more to just be normal. To drive a car, to read a map, to see the faces for passers by, to read a menu at a restaurant, to read a book on the train, all o which comes at a great price to a person like me. Somethings, with aids, you are able to overcome, but overcoming is still far from being normal. What you do not realize is how much effort it takes to simply be normal.

Happiness i all around you, simply need to take pleasure in life's small moments.

There will always be great people doing great things regardless of their circumstances or handicaps. But for the rest of us average folks, looking for happiness in small things will make your life a lot more livable. Being blind doesn't mean you cannot enjoy life, it simply means you will need to learn to enjoy it in a different way than most. Taking pride in little moments and tasks and stop trying to compare to everyone else. It may sound silly, but take pride in life's simple tasks; cooking, singing, running, because there are always someone who wish they can be you.

Take nothing for granted.

Whether its a helping hand from a stranger, the unconditional love of a parent, or anthing else in life, we are lucky to have the support and love from all those that touch us. Make no mistake, we are blessedby these peopleand always remember to keep it close to heart.

Understand and embrace life, only then will you find true happness and salvation.

Looking for a friend

Recently I came into contact with a teacher who has a 9 years old student struggling with Stargardt`s. I know there are some parents who read my blog and may have children who areliving with Stargardt`s around the same age.

We are looking for someone around the same age to connect over email and become an ePal with this boy. Perhaps share some struggles with each other and beable to relate to one another.
It`s tough dealing with this disease, but technology today has helped to broaden circles and close gaps, hopefully it would be easier going through the acceptance of Stargardt`s or any disease when you are able to share with someone in a similarsituation.

Once again, Request for ePal for a 9 years old boy with Stargardt`s