I had no idea she would be born without eyes!” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Monroe was born on her actual due date. As soon as she was born, they immediately took her to NICU because she wouldn’t open her eyes; that’s when the butterflies in my belly began to flutter. ⠀
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Through a CT scan, doctors confirmed she had a rare condition called Anopthalmia, which occurs in 1:100,000 babies. As soon I heard the words “no eyes” I bust into tears and went to bathroom and cried for about 15 minutes straight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Still in complete shock, I found exercise to be extremely therapeutic for me. I took Monroe in her jogging stroller on a trail near our house; it definitely brought me out of my depression. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When she was just a few months our church did a video that shared our story, and it received an amazing response that I didn’t expect. I loved that all those people became aware of her condition and hopefully learned more about acceptance and can then teach their children. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I often get asked “how do you do it” and it’s amazing how much Monroe has literally taught ME how. She just adapts in her own little her way and I feel I’m just there to make she doesn’t hurt herself lol. She started school a year ago and I’m always told how well she communicates and gets around, she’s extremely aware, verbal, and affectionate. She loves to feel faces and necks (voice vibrations) but her favorite are hugs! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My advise for other parents is to not dwell on the actual disability; instead focus on the abilities. I truly feel that our children sense our emotions and are completely aware. Get involved in the community and remember you are your child’s number one advocate! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sending love and light to all that took the time read our story. Thank you! Love is blind
Monroe
