From Rayna

(posting new thread here and have this same post in other thread)chal

OMG!!!!! ITS SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told my therapist on saturday that being on PC via the phone helped me sooooooo much. Since i posted last my best friend surprised me with the fact that she ordered a walking stick, a book that teaches me how to read braile, a Harry Potter book in braile and a braile label maker. Up to this point i've been unwilling to learn all this stuff. She said if i stuck it in the corner of the closet and never looked at it again that would be okay. But she knows me and she knows when i have something in my hands im determined to learn it. I dont have the stuff yet, but just knowing its on its way gave me the motivation today to call the people that are going to teach me my life skills. They even have computer classes. I also talked to my voc rehab guy and he told me about a brand new program for people to work at major companies at home. So while thats in the distant future i know i'll work again.

SO WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, when chalmette called just now i was listening to General Hosptial on tv and crocheting a blanket. It started off as a granny square but ended up with six sides. At least i'm doing it.

Oh and Wmd, i just brewed a fresh pot of coffee!

I cant say how much its lifted my spirits to be in touch with chalmette and all of you thorugh her.

KEEP ON POSTING CAUSE YOU MAKING ME HAPPY!!!!!!

I love you all and miss you all so much. Love Rayna

Awwwwwww ((((((((((((( Rayna )))))))))))))) dear one! I'm so glad to hear that you are progressing through your difficulties. I can't imagine what's gone through your mind and how difficult things have been for you. But, I also know your strength and your commitment to life and being the best you can be. I'm so proud to know you and have you as a friend....and I send you much love and prayers.

Take good care dear one.....I can't wait for the day you get back here and we can chat again! I know it will be soon


Jean

And to you (((((((((((((((( chalm ))))))))))))))))))) thank you for being a wonderful conduit and passing these conversations back and forth. You are a peach!! Love ya! xoxoxo Jean

Hey Rayna - you go girl. Just knock yourself out learning Braille and take advantage of as many gov't programs as you can. Your "can do" attitude really inspires me. I just passed my 9 months sober mark and gave my first talk at AA and I was thinking about you when I gave it.

--splitimage

Rayna, good to hear from you and that you are going to give it all a try.

I have a good friend who is blind from birth, he's been a broadcast engineer for a Christian radio station for many, many years now. He does terrific things. I learned to read braille as a sighted person from this,not with my fingers. lol

I know it's such a change, and can be so depressing. I lost my sight very briefly as a child, and from then on I counted steps to all rooms and things (with my eyes closed) just in case... it was a real fear.

I'm sorry this has happened to you, but desperately want you to rise above your circumstances. We all have to do that, for each person it's a struggle. I'm glad you had sight though, and hope that the images of what you know will stay with you a long time.

You are strong. You can do this.

Love you Rayna, glad you can make contact, keep improving as fast as you can, we miss you!

rayna it is so good to hear from you. you are truely loved and missed around here. hurry up and get back here honey! luv u bunches!

oh rayna its such a comfort to hear from you!

I'm glad to hear you seem in good cheer too!

We miss you so much (((Rayna)))

Glad things are going a bit better for you, please keep in touch!


Dee

Chalmette, please give Rayna my love and tell her I sure miss her!

Ask her how you write "I LOVE YOU" in braille. Seriously!

(((((((((((((( Rayna )))))))))))))))

Just wanted to let ya'll know i'll be calling Rayna in a day or two to read to her all of her messages from ya'll. I tell ya, it makes her day hearing from ya'll.

Ya'll be waiting, cause shes gonna respond.

(((chalm and Ray)))))))))

((((((((((((((((rayray)))))))))))))))))))))
rayray u can do anything i know it!!!

(((((((((((((chalm))))))))))))))-ur such a good friend!!

Way to go Rayna. Learning to read Braille must be like learning a foreign language. You sound really great!

(((((((((((( Rayna )))))))))))))),

It is wonderful that you have the friend that you have...a true friend that will take care of the things you don't want to deal with alone. Sometimes that gently shove in the right direction is something we listen to. Those are the things we listen to more than someone trying to cram something down our throat & making us have to accept it. It does take time to accept huge things like the blindness you are dealing with. Many times we go into denial, telling ourselves, its temporary.....it will go away. This really isn't my life.....sometimes it's even like we are watching ourselves & not even the one living that life as we can't really believe it's real.

Your real strength is showing itself now....& the period of time you have been going through is a normal time of hurting the loss of your sight & the life style that you had. Your positive attitude that is now taking over is the person we all love, know & respect here.

I can only imagine what it is like for you as I remember the times I repelled into a deep cavern 500 ft deep & they shut off all the lighting....pure darkness.....can't even see the hand in front of your face. I also can understand as one of my older eskies is also dealing with blindness & has his path memorized until something jumps out in front of him that wasn't there before. I always try to be his eyes for him....in otherwords, I am the "seeing eye Mommy" for my doggie. I also was the "seeing eye Mommy" for my 29 year old horse who is also going blind. Guiding him on the trail rides & gently directing his safe steps. All part of understanding & caring when sight is lost. With caring people around you & your survival attitued that started when you quit drinking, you will adapt well. The one positive point to look at is that you did have your sight & you do have the mental picture of what everything is......that is a blessing that will always stay with you, that many others who are blind haven't had that opportunity.

May God richly bless your future,
Debbie

Please give her my best wishes too. I know she is going to make it. She has been through so much, and she has a fighting spirit.

(((((((((((((((((Rayna))))))))))))) So good to hear from you through Chalmette! I look forward to when you can come yourself. Take good care!

((( Rayna ))) You've been on my mind alot lately. It's good to hear from you and know you are in such good spirits. You're an amazing person and an inspiration to so many. And I'm not just saying that to make you feel better!! lol I really mean it. Thank you for keeping in contact with us. I hope things improve more and more each day. Much love to you!

How's that blanket coming!! I think it's natural to be unwilling to learn braille, after everything you've been through, it's like braille is a symbol of incapability, to some degree..perhaps like your friend said a little bit of braille will be left in the corner...you'll be reaching...and come across it!! And a whole new world will open up to you, including you guessed it Harry Potter!!!!

((((((((((((((((((((((((Rayna))))))))))))))))))))))))) I am so glad that you are going to learn braille and hopefully will be back with us soon too! It is so good to hear from you through chalmette. Please keep us up on the progress.

BB

okay, we been playing phone tag. and she's it. shes suppose to call me back today. so hoping she makes a post sometime later on.

Breaks me heart...I have been playing phone tag too...I must be the fourth best friend ;(

Raynaadi, you know I love you so much me dear.

Chalmy, you too

Hello Rayna. Congratulations on being happy. Everyone can do it now let's Go!!!