Through My Eyes

By Vendon Wright

When I was six years old, I started wearing glasses to correct my short sight. My view of my low vision quickly changed when I was twenty years old and found out that my brother had suddenly gone blind. He was told that he was suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a disorder that slowly destroys the pigment cells in the eyes. So far, there are no known cures. At the tender age of twenty-one, I was also diagnosed with RP. Since then, I have been slowly going blind, not knowing when my world would finally fade away forever. Battling against such a crippling disease led me through a labyrinth of challenges. Having to constantly adapt my lifestyle to fit the changes to my vision became almost unbearable.

During my journey, I experienced a wide range of emotions as I fought to find a way to deal with my disability. After a long hard battle, overcoming huge obstacles, I finally learned to embrace my medical condition.

Despite the problems it has caused me, I have managed to keep a positive attitude towards life. Now I would like to pass on my strengths to other people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jul 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496986368

Vendon Wright

Vendon Wright was born on the sixth of August 1966 in a small town called Rugby in England. He was registered blind at the age of twenty-eight, after a ten year battle. He suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare eye disorder that slowly destroys the pigment cells in the eyes. So far, there are no known cures. Battling against such a crippling disease led him through a labyrinth of challenges. His fight to remain positive was put under more pressure when he found out that he was also suffering from Usher syndrome, a disorder that results with him going both deaf and blind. His journey involved experiencing a wide range of emotions which was necessary in order to deal with his disability. The issues and challenges became so intense that it brought him to a crossroad where he had the choice to give up fighting against such a crippling medical condition or to continue on his struggles. It was at this point where he became a Christian and now believes that God is with him through all his struggles. After a long hard battle of overcoming huge obstacles, he finally learned to embrace his medical condition.

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© 2014 Vendon Wright. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/24/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-8635-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-8636-8 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

About The Book

A Guide To Retinitis Pigmentosa

1      The Disappearing World

2      I Can See Ghosts

3      The Art Of Guessing

4      Open Your Eyes

5      Let The Fight Begin

6      Suffering In Silence

7      Living With My Disability

8      Through My Eyes

9      You Are Blessed

10   I’m Not A Robot

11   Down But Not Out

12   I’m Blessed Too

13   Now I Can See

About The Author

ABOUT THE BOOK

When I was six years old I started wearing glasses to correct my short sight. My view of my low vision quickly changed when I was twenty years old and found out that my brother had suddenly gone blind. He was told that he was suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa - RP, a disorder that slowly destroys the pigment cells in the eyes. There are three different strains of RP and the one my brother has runs in the male line of a family. So far, there are no known cures. My brother’s eyes deteriorated quickly which confused us all. I soon became curious and convinced myself to attend an eye appointment to determine whether there was more wrong with my eyes than just being short sighted. At the tender age of twenty-one I was also diagnosed with RP. Since then I have been slowly going blind, not knowing when my world would finally fade away forever. Finally at the age of twenty-eight I was also registered blind. Battling against such a crippling disease led me through a labyrinth of challenges. Having to constantly adapt my lifestyle to fit the changes to my vision became almost unbearable. My fight to remain positive was put under yet more pressure when I found out that I was also suffering from Ushers syndrome, a disorder that results in both loss of hearing and of sight.

During my journey I experienced a wide range of emotions as I fought to find a way to deal with my disability. After a long hard battle, overcoming huge obstacles, I finally learnt to embrace my medical condition.

Despite the problems it has caused me, I have managed to keep a positive attitude towards life. I hold a 4th degree Black belt in Taekwondo and I was the first registered blind person in England to achieve this level of excellence. After studying Taekwondo for over twenty years, I now teach many classes of my own. At present I have taught forty of my students to become Black Belts.

The inspiration to write a book came from consistently and persistently helping my friends to overcome their problems. Now I would like to help other people by passing on my strengths. My book is aimed at both the sighted and visually impaired as it gives positive inspirations on handling a variety of problems. It also gives an excellent medical history of RP and how to handle going blind.

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INTRODUCTION

My name is Vendon Aston Wright. I was born on the sixth of August 1966 in a small town called Rugby in England. Generally, people think that the most interesting aspect of the town is that it is the home of the game Rugby Football.

I have two children named Michaela and Jasmine. I’m registered blind and so is one of my brothers. We have a rare genetically developed eye disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and at present there are no known cures. So far one in three thousand people suffer from RP. I teach a Martial Art called Taekwondo, which is a sport that is featured in the Olympics.

I attained a 4th Degree Black Belt Master of Taekwondo and I was the first registered blind person in England to achieve this level of excellence. This book shows some of the challenges that visually impaired people have to deal with on a daily basis. I explain what it feels like to see the world through a blind person’s eyes. Hopefully it will motivate people to see a positive side to their problems and it may also encourage people to appreciate what they can see.

Several character names have been changed to protect the privacy of the people involved.

This book is a tribute to the loving memory of Carline Wright, who passed away on Friday 6 June 2003, aged 46.

A GUIDE TO RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA

You may have been told recently or you have known for some years that you have Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This diagnosis could well help to explain the months or years of not being able to see properly in the dark – called night blindness, and of falling over objects which you did not see. You will possibly have been told that, at present, there is no cure for RP and that you have to face the prospect of slowly deteriorating sight. Slow loss of sight is a difficult disability to live with, especially as you may not receive the immediate sympathy and understanding usually shown to the totally blind. Indeed many people will not believe that you have a loss of sight because you have no obvious sign of visual impairment. The first and hardest step towards living positively with a disability is accepting it. If you have RP this means knowing the limitation of your vision and learning to use intelligently the visual clues you still receive. Accepting that you have RP will not be easy. You may go through periods of despair and of feeling resentful, bewildered or even angry. All these reactions are understandable, especially as the very nature of this disorder makes adjustment difficult but the way in which you deal with it determines the type of life you and your family will share from day to day. RP can manifest itself in many ways since it is not one disorder but many with similar symptoms. For some, the loss of sight is slow and there may be only a small loss over perhaps ten years or more. Others have periods of rapid loss, often with years in between with no apparent decline. A person experiencing the early stages of RP may have almost perfect day vision but at night, in brilliant sunshine or in rapidly changing light conditions, the same person may react as if they are almost totally blind. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of hereditary disorders whose common feature is a gradual deterioration of the light sensitive cells of the Retina. The symptoms of this group of disorders usually become apparent between the ages of 10 and 30, although some changes may become apparent in childhood. There are many syndromes associated with RP, which result in multiple loss, such as Usher syndrome, in which sight and hearing are both affected.

For more information on RP

www.brps.org.uk

CHAPTER 1

The disappearing world

At the age of twenty years old I found out that my brother had suddenly gone blind. We were told that he was suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which is an eye disorder that slowly destroys the pigment cells in the eyes. There are three different strains of RP and the one my brother has runs in the male line of a family. So far, there are no cures. My brother’s eyes deteriorated quickly which confused us all. I soon became curious – scared, and persuaded myself to arrange an eye examination.

I really thought that I was just badly short-sighted and extremely clumsy. My clumsiness increased at night time but being young and naive I ignored all the early signs.

My appointment at the Birmingham Eye Hospital finally came through when I was twenty-one years old. (What a great 21st birthday present I was about to receive!) My appointment was at the same Eye Hospital as my brother Brian. None of my other brothers and sisters were interested in finding out whether they had any serious eye problems so I travelled alone. Birmingham was just half an hour from Rugby by train. Before I got to Birmingham I began to get quite emotional. Tears trickled out of my eyes in sadness for my brother who I was so close to. I remember saying that I wished that I had the eye disorder instead of him because he was in the middle of studying at college. There is an old saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for’; I was about to find out that it is good advice.

When I got to

Reviews for Through My Eyes

[lg503-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The author’s purpose to write this book, was because she wanted to write her story about the School Integration for African American kids in the 1960’s and 1950’s. Bridges lived in the civil right Movement and she wanted to tell her perspective of what she went through. She was just six years old, but she still has memories and feelings that could never forget.

[heidijones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an interesting read. I liked that it was more of a memory book than a "story book". My students thought it was very interesting, and couldn't believe that "it actually happened?". The photos are great, and it was a unique perspective to read from. The students were in awe of the photo of Ruby with the Federal Marshalls. They found her story even more powerful, since it was told in first person.

[melissalorio · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Through My Eyes, the self-told story of Ruby Bridges, is a masterpiece of composition and assembly. More, even, than just the moving story of the little girl who integrated the first school in New Orleans, it is a collage of a book including relevant and affecting photographs which articulate better than words the violent rage of the white population of the city with regard to the particular events of 1960. As Ruby tells us her story from the perspective of the innocent child, we simultaneously view the scenes of the angry mobs, the signs, the Ku Klux Klan--all of it. Also,on almost every other page in the book there are Quotes from Ruby's mother, teacher, and psychiatrist,relating their own perspectives of the situation, and newspaper and magazine quotes of the day. The combination of first hand story, photographs, comments from those who knew Ruby, and snippets of what was being printed in newspapers and magazines serves to offer a rounded story, with a multifaceted, believable perspective. The photographs and quotes also correspond in some way with what Ruby is describing. On page 20-21, Ruby is describing leaving from school the first day, and how she did know understand what all of the chanting meant. She was protected to some degree, as only residents were allowed on her block at that time, and she remembers her father calling her "brave," but does not seem to completely appreciate what she has been through. But on the opposite page we are given a chilling crowd photo in which people are standing there holding signs, and a coffin. Ruby says that a coffin was the only thing that made her afraid, but the reader appreciates the full reality when viewing it. One little girl is standing there holding a cross as tall as herself with a strange smile on her face. The inserted bit of interview with Barbara Henry, Ruby's teacher, describes just how scary those days were, from the perspective of an adult. All of the elements of this text work together to tell a compelling story, one which may haunt the reader for quite some time.This is a great historical text which would work for middle school and older.

[brittasorensen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a beautiful, powerful book. Ruby Bridges tells the story of her integration of a New Orleans school at the age of 6. The photographs add context, but Ruby's words are the heart of this book. It's a story that needs to be told and remembered, and should be an important part of any classroom library. Reading the jeers and threats faced by tiny Ruby is heartbreaking, but necessary in the service of a complete understanding of American history and the hardships faced by many of its smallest citizens. I think this is a book that everyone should read.

[kelly.jefferson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an amazing book that describe what it was like for the little girl named Ruby to go to an all white school. She was one of the very first colored kids that attended an all white school. It really gave great detail on how it was struggling for her but she wanted to learn and that was her priority. I really liked how the book had pictures that gave an outlook on what was really going on. My personal reaction to this book is I could not imagine being so young and go through what Ruby went through. She was a tough little girl she must have been so scared. Her goal of going to school and being successful for sure out weighed her being scared. Classroom Extension: This would be a great way to introduce segregation to students and show them what it was like during the civil right times. This would be a great lesson you could incorporate with the students on asking their parents about what it was like and what they know about segregation or even the grandparents and see if any of them have any first hand experiences.

[larasimmons2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful primary source for the Civil Rights. Ruby Bridges is one of the first African-American Students in New Orleans to be integrated into a white public school The book touches on much of her innocence as a young child, not fully understanding the significance of the school year. The book also discusses her experience as a first grader, in an all white school, as she workes one-on-one with her teacher. Quotes and vignettes from her mother and teacher are also included. Photos as well as quotes from Civil Rights Activists are also included.I think this is a fabulous book for young readers. As a multilevel book, it can be used for many different discussions in a classroom. I really enjoyed the book. I felt Ruby is a inspirational and someone to whom students can relate. The writing style she chooses is appropriate for young readers (probably best for 3-4 graders). There are sections/chapters that typically are a page with quotes and photos to go along with the text. This makes it easier for kids to digest, and provides a variety of information suitable for many learning styles. I liked how the book included photographs, as it made the story much more real and comprehensible.

[lnfranklin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW!! Book showing from the innocent eyes of a child. As the war of prejudice and education swirled around her she only saw "i'm going to learn". Students can be taught from this book no matter what goes around you, you have to keep pushing through the madness. Ruby Bridges set the bar for integrated schools in New Orleans!!!

[ktankers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a fantastic book to emphasize the significance of education and modern struggle to remain equal.

[tamarasmith_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story recounts the events of Ruby Bridges integrated Frantz Elementary school in the 1960s, but the fact that it is written by Ruby Bridges herself gives the story more validity. The story is a bit long and better suited for students who are more aware of what was going on at the time. I love this book. Great to use as a history lesson.

[katherinec032 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This autobiographical account of Ruby Bridge’s struggle for equal education paints a stark yet honest picture of racism in American history. She begins by describing her first days entering the first grade. U.S. Marshals escorted her and her mother to and from school every day for the entire year. She was met at school by protesters who didn't want her in school and even met death threats on her way to class. It was through her caring and passionate teacher, Mrs. Henry, that Ruby went on to complete her education. This book portrays the courage and heroism of a young girl that paved the way for civil rights.

[sapphireblueeye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an autobiography of Ruby Bridges. It is very powerful. We get her emotions straight from her mouth, or pen as it may be, and there are photos to accompany it. My favorite part of this was that the reader learns what happened to little Ruby Bridges. It goes beyond that one year. It is under the children's label, but it could easily be read at a middle school and even high school level, especially for ESL and IEP kids who have a harder time with reading and comprehension. WARNING: There are some racial slurs.

[elpowers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great historical look at the Ruby Bridges story, told from her point of view, and with follow-up on her now. Great photographs!

[szierdt_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very important book and the United States is so fortunate to have such an intimate written piece documenting the experience of Ruby Bridges. Children and adults can take away understanding and meaning from this book. Throughout, other issues and important political players are introduced. This book would be a perfect springboard for exploring the civil rights movement and race relations. I appreciate that Bridges doesn't leave behind the reality that today, many schools are being virutually segregated again due to unequality and lasting discrimination. A very sould touching read.

[juju1220 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! A story about integration in the south and the strength and courage that little Ruby Bridges had to wake up each morning and attend an all white school. The book provided actual interviews from her family, teachers and presidents about integrations in the south public schools. I enjoyed learning about the facts that surrounded this turmoil in the 60's. This would be a great addition to include with curriculum about the civil rights movement in the US.

[carolynebegin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great book about Ruby Bridges, one of the first children to be integrated into the public school system in Louisiana. As we all know public schools in the past were segregated by race. In the 1960s a law was passed and children, starting with the lower grades, were integrated into public schools. This caused an uproar in the communities and it was often taken out on the children and their families. Ruby was one of the first children to be integrated and this book tells her story as a 5 year old simply trying to go to school.I really enjoyed ready this from Ruby's perspective. Her memories of events brings a unique view to her story and really shows the impact of our actions. Her family went through so much in order to be strong and guide her through this and they all had a hard time. I was amazed at her courage and at the ignorance of the people around her. I cannot believe that these events happened so late in this countries history. It is appalling and I could go on and on but I really enjoyed this book and the bit of perspective that it gave me on these events. I am glad that people like Ruby and her family stood up for their rights and continue to do so. I think this would be a very important book to read in a classroom.

[allisonbates_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges1.This nonfiction work is written as a narrative from Ruby Bridges’ personal perspective about the struggles she endured in New Orleans as one of the first black children to be integrated in Louisiana. Ruby discusses not only her personal experience, but how it relates to the greater issues of civil rights ensuing in both her state and nation. Sometimes Ruby’s understanding of issues as a first grader are vague in comparison to the reality of what was actually going on, but these understandings are what eventually shape her as she grew to womanhood. Also, from that adult mindset Rudy looks back to explain how and why she felt the way she did about things she did not quite comprehend at the time. Actual pictures, quotes from other people involved in Ruby’s situation, and clips from magazines enhance the story to bring the actual history to a vivid reality.2.As a nonfiction book, this could couple just about any unit on civil rights. Students could compare the difference between Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry and Through my Eyes to discuss how the times in the South did or did not change between these two time periods. How are Civil Rights progressing or not progressing? Also, students could do mini research activities on other people mentioned or quoted in the book, such as John Steinbeck, Thurgood Marshall, and various presidents. How did all of these people combined working for a single goal make a difference? If one of them decided to back down how would it have been for Ruby? Show students the Norman Rockwell painting. How is the Ruby depicted here different for the same as the Ruby that she herself describes in Through my Eyes?3.This book, though written as a true account, is very easy to become entranced with. The fact that such a story actually happened gives the reader even more incentive to keep reading. As Ruby tells her own story as a narrative ( instead of just a historical description that students are used to), the impact and significance of what happened to her becomes so much more pertinent. This is not a picture of a black girl walking to school with a blurb; it is a personal reflection of the emotions, pressures, and consequences of everything that her entire first grade year produced. Ruby Bridges makes an accurate historical event come alive, and the fact that she lived it and can attest to the personal effects of it makes the story even more amazing.

[jdieder104 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brave family to put their child in such a difficult situation. The family had tobear a lot of injustice for justice. Thankful there are families that would stand up for what is right.

[kikione_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of a brave little girl that pioneered integration in a whites only school in the south. Students will learn about prejudice and segregation and then through the eyes of this little girl, they will see what it took to make a change. What a gift Ruby gives us, showing us what it felt like to do this, showing us the photos that make it real, and letting us know the little girl that lived through it all.

[petersinclair_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ruby was one of the first African American's to enter the halls of an integrated public school. This story is so poignantly sad because of the way mothers, teenagers and adults responded to integration. The insults and threats that were presented to a small child are physically sickening. Ruby Bridges is a book about faith. Her mother was so strong to send her in the midst of much turmoil. Her father was right to have fear for his daughter and his family. I don't know if I would have sent my daughter into that kind of fire. Ruby Bridges perserverence and telling of her story is very important in our society today. Racism is like a disease, but I think this book can be a cure.

[nbmars · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Through My Eyes tells the story of the forced integration of white schools in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1960. Citizens and officials alike had defied federal orders to integrate arising from the seminal 1954 court case, Brown vs. The Board of Education. In 1956, 101 politicians in Congress (99 Democrats and 2 Republicans) issued a document called "The Southern Manifesto," opposing the findings of the Brown decision. (Manifesto signers were from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.) The Southern Manifesto accused the Supreme Court of "clear abuse of judicial power." It further promised to use "all lawful means to bring about a reversal of this decision which is contrary to the Constitution and to prevent the use of force in its implementation." A federal court, however, finally ruled that New Orleans must integrate, beginning with the first grade. Thus in 1960, Ruby Bridges started school at William Frantz Elementary. Three other black children went to McDonogh Elementary. Ruby was alone at William Frantz.Federal Marshals were required to escort Ruby safely to and from school and to guide her through the mobs of protestors. Whites pulled their children out of the school, and Ruby became the only pupil in her class supervised by a brave teacher from the North, Barbara Henry.Daily mobs gathered and protesters hurled threats and racial epithets. Eventually, however, some of the whites started to return to the school, though Ruby was still kept apart from them. For the second grade, Ruby was able to be part of classroom full of students, including some other blacks. Ironically, years later, through residential segregation, Frantz Elementary again became segregated, although now it is a "black" school rather than a "white" school. Back in 1960, Yale legal scholar Charles Black (and one of the architects of the Brown court case) posed the question: "does segregation offend against equality?" He answered:“…if a whole race of people finds itself confined within a system which is set up and continued for the very purpose of keeping it in an inferior station, and if the question is then solemnly propounded whether such a race is being treated 'equally,' I think we ought to exercise one of the sovereign prerogatives of philosophers - that of laughter.”Ruby has devoted her adult life to telling her story in the hope that inner city schools can metamorphose into the learning centers they were meant to be when whites attended them. Her bravery as a little six-year-old girl has inspired people across the country.Evaluation: Although this wonderful compendium of text and photographs is suggested for ages 8-10, I would change that to 8 and up. My husband and I both found it riveting and powerful. Highly recommended.

[ktibbs_4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful book told from the first person point of view of Ruby Bridges herself, the first girl to integrate into a white school. The power of this book is that it is written in Ruby's own words with her own memories, most of which are very innocent and misunderstanding of what is going on around her. The book has excellent real photographs of the events as well.

[judychadwick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is written by Ruby Bridges and tells of her experiences with integration. There are sections written by others who took part in that very important part of American history. There are many pictures and newspaper articles from that time as well.

[brooke28_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book gives students a chance to see the Civil Rights movement through the eyes of a child. It gives factual information in an interesting way.