Pity

I don't want to keep saying the same things over and over but I had a situation the other day and I feel compelled to write. I had a nice visit with some friends the other day, and then one started telling me how sorry she was that Addison had Albinism. She questioned me and made these sad faces each time I gave her an answer to a question about Addi's eyesight, skin color, light sensitivity, etc. She continued to tell me how sorry she was and that she didn't think she could deal with it if it had happened to her child.

As nice as she was being to me, it made me feel very uncomfortable. I don't want people to pity me or Addison. If all we have to deal with in Addison's life is bad vision and sun sensitivity........ we are lucky!! So many people have to deal with so much worse. We were blessed to have Addison and as for her albinism, it just makes me love her more. Understand this people, neither my daughter, nor my family, needs pity. Addi may have more obstacles then some other children, but she is the love of my life and will have encouragement and support from an army of people.

Since Christmas, I have learned that people don't listen to what they say all the time. Maybe they are just uneasy and say the first thing that comes to mind. We have all been there, in a situation where no matter what you say, it comes out wrong. I remember standing by my mom, years ago when she asked a woman how far along she was in her pregnancy. The woman replied that she was not pregnant and the conversation went down from that point. : ) My mother could not say the right thing no matter how she tried so we got in the car and drove off.

Maybe this was the situation here. She just didn't know what to say. Because to say you could not deal with your child having a disorder makes me pity you. It is much sadder then a little ol case of Albinsim.