Others

The reaction of others is an aspect of this that is comforting and distressing, depending on which "others" are reacting.

I have been amazed by the people that started researching right away and want to help us as much as possible.  One of the professors that I work with said, "There has to be something that can help this.  I will start researching this."  I really appreciated the call I got in the middle of my workday from a friend letting me know she had heard about Buddy and was there if I needed anything.  I appreciated my boss taking the time to list all of the sports she could think of that don't involve a ball that Buddy could participate in when he gets older.

It is frustrating when people assume we are devastated or depressed about this, and treat us like they are  trying to cheer us up.  The first two days were scary and we cried, but we are pretty much over it now.  Also, we have read a lot about kids with ocular albinism, and they seem to be able to do lots of things, so we are hopeful for Buddy.  It is also frustrating when people say, "Well, he can just get glasses."  From what I have read, glasses won't help Buddy see any better.

I think the worst thing so far was walking through Walmart last weekend.  A woman stopped us to see Buddy (which we are used to), and said, "What a beautiful baby.  Is there something wrong with his eyes?"  She had a child-like innocence, and I truly think she did not mean to be rude or hurtful, but it was difficult to politely tell her about Buddy's probable ocular albinism.  It is very hard to think that we will have to hear things like that for the rest of Buddy's life.  He is so wonderful and happy.  I don't really notice his nystagmus, but I guess other people will.

I hope that people will react with kindness and love Buddy as much as I do.