Myrtle's Story

Mental Health & Disabilities
Myrtle Doerksen
February 2004

I was born with congenital cataracts. Having a disability in childhood is very different from becoming disabled as an adult. I am not implying that one is more difficult. They are simply different.

I learned early in life that I was somehow not quite like others, and that being different meant stigma.

As I look back, it seems certain aspects of life will have confused me. Why did I have to endure ether for eye surgery? I cannot recall hoping the operations would be successful, as I had no clue what better vision meant. For years I looked forward to be able to go to school. Why did Dad have to ask the teacher's permission for me to attend? Although I could not read what was written on the blackboard, I did well at school and enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun playing with friends. Why did someone need to accompany me walking back and forth to and from school?

Adolescent years became much harder. I could not plan or prepare myself for a future since I had no idea what would become of me. Why could my friends get jobs which I could not perform due to poor vision? Was there any job I would be able to do? Why did no one understand I wanted to grow into a mature adult being able to care for myself financially and in other respects Why did my mother think it would be satisfactory to all concerned if she promised I could always have a home with my parents? Under those circumstances I could not build a positive self-image or confidence so essential for taking responsibility and making decision in later life.

Not everyone with a childhood disability will have similar experiences but I'm sure most can identify in one way or another.

Perhaps sometime I will continue the story of how my adult experiences followed those of my youth. Now I will simply write that I do not have a clue what and how those with normal vision see the world around them. What do they see on the television screen? What is the view when driving along the street? What is observed when among a crowd? These things I will never know. Would I like to know? Of course, I would, but at the same time I am grateful that I can see as much as I can. I am also grateful for many lessons I have learned from being born with a disability.

 

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