SHALINI'S STORY
" The quality of life need not be compromised because of a visual
defect. The most important element in a child's eventual
appreciation of his/her existence is the harmony of thought and
action that results from promoting strengths rather than deficits".
Where do I begin . I really do not know how to begin or what to
write because it all happened so suddenly. We had taken up Shalini
in foster care and before we knew what was happening she had
captured our hearts and we decided to adopt her. She is so much
a part of us now that we feel that she was meant to be ours but an
accident of birth caused her to be born into another family.
I cannot imagine our lives without Shalini - its strange but many
of my friends have also told me so - she some how completes the
family.
We had never in our wildest dreams imagined we would get such an
unique opportunity - but then I guess there is a time and place
for things to happen.
We dont have to make any major changes in our life-style in bringing
up a child with a visual impairment. All that we have to do is be
always conscious to be thoughtful basic consideration for a human
is all that is required. Hence we have began to view life with
new dimensions.
Though she does not see, she has a vision - she is full of life and
like any other child wants to get going. While I fear whether I can
fully communicate with her so that she can learn to her fullest
potential - she teaches me what faith and trust really are ; while
I try to make her happy - she teaches me what true joy really is.
Her contagious spirit has created a larger sense of compassion and
empathy in all of us. She teaches us through her eyes of
inspiration, hope and courage. She impresses on us the vision to
achieve in spite of difficulties.
If anyone has reason to be discouraged or presentful, it would be
her. It is such a challenge to do even a small task, like finding
a crayon that she drops on the floor. I find myself closing my
eyes many times trying to perform tasks that are easy for the
sighted, realizing the effort it takes her to perform the same. And
yet she finds a way to be happy and appreciative of everything.
Ofcourse I go through days, anxiety filled, butterflies in my
stomach, fear in my heart, when I think of her future - but they
are momentary. She always wants to be like other children, wants
to play and do what they do, and her enthusiasm gives us the
strength to guide and motivate her to achieve all that her peer
group can do, whether it is to climb the slide or monkey bars,
to roller skate, ride a bicycle, swim, play the piano or take
lessons in ballet. She makes attempts to master these activities
and has confidence in herself. It is this confidence in her that
makes all who come in contact with her realize that she is not a
visually impaired child - but a child with a visual impairment.
It is this 'child ' who we, the family, her teachers, interact
with and we adopt means to overcome the hindrances the 'visual
impairment ' causes. I am sure with the right kind of guidance the
sky is the limit to what she will achieve in all spheres of life.
I mention here with great pride and admiration the way in which my
older children have taken to her. Their sincere appreciation and
encouragement in all her achievements is something words cannot
express.
All I can say to conclude is that we are truly blessed. There are
many who have the will but not the means and many who have the
means but not the will.