I wonder whatever became of Josh. He was brutally picked on by the other kids in school and it ripped my heart out. Not sure what made him so different, but he was, and I took it upon myself to be his defender. Of course, I could see perfectly back then. It was middle school and, to date, there was no manifestation of some weird, rare genetic disease to steal away my vision—at least not yet. That would certainly have made me different and an easy target, too. I was picked on for other reasons and although I couldn’t adequately defend myself, I found that my role as an advocate for Josh made me inwardly feel powerful and strong and needed. He appreciated me and loved me as his dear friend when no one else would embrace him in friendship.
Looking back on that experience with Josh, I see the beginnings of my role as a proponent for those with disabilities. I’ve found myself crusading for my own rights as someone with low vision as well as for persons with other disabilities. As one of my law professors advised me: “Be your own greatest advocate.”
Wherever you are, Josh, I’m still out here fighting for you—but for myself, now, too.
#advocacy #disabilities #lowvision #lebershereditaryopticneuropathy #LHON #bullying
