A couple of years ago, I met Gerry (one of the many friends I made hanging out in the Accessibility Resource Centre my last year of university). Since Gerry recruited me to coach goalball, he and I have spent many goalball and Starbucks related hours together, and I’ve also gotten to know his kids. Today, Gerry shares his perspective on parenting with his eyes closed, and what it’s like to be a dad who is blind.
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Being a parent has its challenges. Add to that the fact that you can’t see what your children are up to and it gets more interesting, especially when they realize that if they are quiet dad won’t know what they are doing. Since I am able to work from home, I have the opportunity to keep the kids on track most days. My wife does an awesome job also, but her work is out of the home.
So what is it like for a blind dad on a daily basis? I guess it is probably the same for any other parent who has their sight. You wake up early hoping for a few minutes of quiet time before the caos of getting ready for school begins. And then it begins…wake up the kids and get them ready and out the door in time to catch the bus, or else they are stuck taking transit with me and that is not a fun time. Fortunately my kids are pretty good at picking out what to wear for school, I just hope they have matching socks. I know mine don’t always match, but I am not usually looking at my feet anyway.
Once the kids are gone, there is a calm about the house…at least for about 8 hours. I turn into house husband doing dishes laundry and other chores around the house. Yes I do laundry! Our laundry hamper is divided so that you can put your clothes in the right section. If you don’t then I am not help responsible if something comes out a different color. So far so good, or at least no one has said anything. I will also take some time and work for a few hours as well, the bills don’t pay themselves.
There are always a few people amazed by what I can do. I have even had people wonder how I took the bus with one small child and then two children, and also a guide dog. Yes it might have been a bit of a production getting on and off the bus, but I didn’t really care. Why should I have to stay at home just because I can’t see where the hell I am going. But that is a rant for another time.
Well it is almost time for the peace and quiet to end. Now I just need to decide what to make for supper and then get the kids ready for when my wife picks us up for skating lessons.
Yes I may be blind but my day is just as busy as another parent and homemaker.