SupportSight Cleveland

Articles about the Cleveland chapter of SupportSight:

Two Words

Recently, my vocabulary was expanded by two words.

Little did I know at the time, how these two words would dramatically affect the lives of my sister, my brother, myself and most importantly - my Mother's.

In a matter of what seemed like moments, these two words were old hat - right up there with microwave, email, internet and cellular.

As a "half full" vs. "half empty" kind-of-public-relations-person, I immediately started to put a spin on these two words...

Mom, you can still live at your own house.

You don't have to go to a hospital.

You don't have to carry around oxygen.

You aren't going to lose your hair.

You don't need a walker.

It didn't matter what I said, or what anyone said...my Mom wasn't listening to anyone....all she heard was she was blind...the phrase was legally blind but all she heard was blind.

The sadness, frustration, helplessness, too much empathy and at the same time not enough empathy, lead me to wanting to learn more about these 2 words and what I could do about them and how I could help. I needed help ...My family needed help.

Then as quickly as these 2 words entered my life, Lea Bramick entered my life. One Saturday morning, I sat in the Retina Associates Office in Beachwood with fellow daughters and their Moms and we talked and we talked and we talked...the daughters talked and most importantly the Moms talked.

I stand here today to tell you that that was and this is the start of very grass roots SupportSight of Cleveland group. This group is in the process of being formulated to be of assistance to families and friends who too have learned 2 new words.

Sharing tips and stories on how to cope with everything from laundry to make-up to thermostat controls to large print checks...we will be here for you and for future vocabulary learners too.

My Mom has macular degeneration. My Mom has me, my sister, my brother and soon the SupportSight of Cleveland. I urge you, your friends and family to help us launch this group.

Two words changed my family's lives. Two words probably changed your lives.

I am a believer in that everything happens for a reason, I haven't figured this reason out but as I am fortunate enough to be able to look around this room and see everyone affected by these 2 words...I think together we will be able to figure this one out.

I leave you with 2 words - Thank you...Thank you in advance for your interest and support of the SupportSight of Cleveland.

—Karen