Inspired by a Legally Blind Friend

My AMD journey began 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other.  Rats! I was 62 years old and wanted to retire with a full pension at 65. Luckily, I found (through trial and error) a great RS. I made it! I still had my baseline vision and made it to my full retirement date, thanks to the great care of my RS.

Finding a new retina specialist

So we sold our house and moved from the big city to a little slice of heaven. We transitioned to a lovely home on a golf course on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. But wait...how am I going to find a good eye doctor? As luck would have it, we met two wonderful neighbors just 2 houses down from ours.  You guessed it! One of these newfound friends is a VIP (visually impaired person). And they just happened to know the best RS in town! Wow, this was serendipity!

Meeting my inspiration

This is a story about my friend Judy. Judy is legally blind and has been for all of her 79 years. I‘m going to write a brief biography on her life and accomplishments. She inspires everyone that knows her.

Judy’s biography

• Born 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama
• Original diagnosis: Congenital nystagmus, her visual acuity is 20/70 corrected. Her eyes focus independently not in unison.

Judy's education

• Judy attended public school through grade 4.
• She then attended the state school for the blind grades 5-10.
• Judy went on to attend the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. Obtaining a BS in 1962 and MA in 1965.

Judy's social life as a VIP (visually impaired person)

Judy has always been a friendly and social person. She has never been able to get a driver's license, but that didn’t stop her as she relied on friends and family to move about. She loved to dance and it was at a dance that she met her husband, Charlie about 51 years ago. A whirlwind courtship ensued and they were married less than 6 months later! Judy has 1 child and 2 stepchildren.

Judy's work life

• High school teacher for 2 years
• Instructor at community college 1965-1971
• Taught evening classes while being a stay at home mom
• Worked in communication at Chambers of Commerce for 12 years

Judy's residences

• From multiple cities in AL to Minnesota, Arizona, Valencia, Spain, Florida, and Illinois.

Judy’s favorite places are Chicago, for the independence she enjoyed with easy public transportation and within walking distance to stores, shops, and museums. And finally Daphne, AL on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay near the Gulf of Mexico. Where she enjoys the locale but also the warm and friendly people.

Inspirations

Most of her inspirations have been academic and intellectual. Additionally, the children at the school for the blind inspired her, even though she didn’t know it at the time.

What advice does Judy have for people new to visual impairment?

”Do the best with what you have! Be honest and forthright with people. Never seek sympathy! Stay positive! There are many people who have bigger problems and more serious health issues!"

She did all the above while legally blind!

I swear, to meet her you would never know that she is visually impaired. Judy has adapted to her vision impairment with style, grace, and good humor. I feel fortunate to have met this wonderful couple that have become our close friends. I hope that all of us can overcome AMD and live our best lives. I’ve got it on good authority...it’s possible!