Inspiration comes in many forms

http://www.ted.com/talks/caroline_casey_looking_past_limits.html I'm not sure how I feel about this woman's experience. She is clearly an inspiring speaker and will do a lot of good in the world. There is no such thing as too many positive role models! The part I feel most confused about is how her parents decided not to tell her that she was (is) blind. That is an incredibly brave decision to make and I don't think I could do it. But I worry that I should do it. This woman is a high achiever, David Blunkett (a former politician who was the Home Secretary) said he grew up not knowing that he was blind. Is that what it takes to achieve in the real world? A belief that you are no different from anyone else, a belief that can only be truly obtained if you really are never told that you are different? How is that even possible? Able-bodied people are all different in their own ways and many people have huge insecurities and self doubt. To me, making the most of what you've got is a huge part of attaining real maturity. Besides, I could never maintain a secret like that. I am naturally an honest person and I would feel like I was keeping a secret from her. I don't want her to feel like she has to work 20-100 times harder. She has a right to ask for help, in the classroom, in the workplace, get low-vision aids working for her, get disability allowance, get that fabulous blue badge for parking! Those things don't exempt her from a social contract, she still has to work hard, love others, do her best and make her life what she wants it to be. If she chooses to fake vision (as she well might) I understand but I can't do it. Is it my own selfishness, my need to talk, vent, explore, come to terms with this? All I can hope for is that we raise a well-rounded, confident child who loves herself. I'll let you know how we get on!