IT DOESN’T MATTER THAT I CAN’T SEE

It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.
It doesn’t matter that I have a disability.
It doesn’t matter that at times I’m clumsy.

What does matter to my niece, the one who can see
Is that I am simply her Aunt, who she calls Tee-Tee.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.

Whether through hugs, compassion, or laughter,
I know my niece will look out for me now and thereafter.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.

With my niece, I sing, dance, talk, and play
This makes our bond grow more each day.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.

Asking questions out of sheer curiosity,
She trusts my answers given, are true honesty.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.

Through my niece’s eyes, blindness does not define my identity.
Instead, one simple name does, her Aunt, Tee-Tee.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t see.

I thought it would be fitting to make this month’s blog about my niece since she
will be eight years old this month. It has been an interesting experience being around her, as she is growing up into a beautiful young girl. I can’t believe how time flies by; unbelievable! My niece was born a little more than one month before I started losing my eyesight.
One day, in a sweet innocent voice, my niece asked me if I knew what she looked like. What my niece didn’t know is that I have wondered that same question, and sought out my family for a description. My family told me that my niece is a replica of her mommy, which helped me create a visual image. So, without hesitation, I told my niece that she looks like Toni when she was little. However, my niece took it upon herself to describe what she looks like to me anyway. The reality is that I don’t have to know what my niece looks like physically because I see her heart, and what a wonderful one it is.
It’s amazing how consciously aware my niece is of not only blind/visually impaired individuals, but people with all types of disabilities. My sister has instilled acceptance and understanding into my niece’s life. I enjoy listening to my niece describe visual aspects to me on TV and taking my finger to outline objects to get a mental image.
In addition to describing things to me, my niece is trying to take on a new task, being a sighted guide. This weekend my niece told me that I needed to trust her as my guide. Hmmmm…, not sure I’m quite there yet. LOL. To sum it up, I am truly blessed to have such an astounding niece, who looks beyond my disability to see me for the person I am. HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY IMANI! I LOVE YOU!