So many emotions and thoughts enveloping me...

[mnhtnbb]

Just took my 23 yo legally blind son to the airport. He has a Fulbright scholarship
to spend 10 months in Berlin doing a research project related to the Austrian playwright, Max Reinhardt.

He was a double major in college--German and Comparative Lit--graduated Phi Beta Kappa.
He's a VERY smart kid. But he is also legally blind. He did a summer study abroad--in
Berlin--three years ago. Last time he lived with a family; this time he'll have a room
in a dorm where several rooms share kitchen/living space.

He has to do all the things that long term students do once he arrives in Berlin: get a visa; open
a bank account; learn the neighborhood and public transportation. But he
has to do it with vision of 20:200. I am just a mess. He's anxious--but excited--
and I'm just anxious. He's always been great at developing friends to help him
with everyday tasks.

Sure would appreciate some good vibes for this young man as he goes out in to the
world to function on his own--and hope for him to make some new friends in Berlin
who are willing to help him adjust to life there for the next 10 months.

[Avalux]

1. Sending good vibes your way!

Your son, in spite of his disability, sounds like a brilliant and very capable young man. I am certain he will do just fine!

As a mom who just said goodbye to her 21 year old daughter and sent her across the country, I can relate. Not on the same scale certainly - but I know how difficult it is to let go of our little ones. All we can do is hope they remember what we've taught them and surround themselves with good people.

[NYC_SKP]

2. I think he'll be fine. In fact I'm sure he'll thrive!

He's been there before, with a family, true, but I'll bet friends in the dorm will provide just as much support and maybe more.

10/200 is quite poor, but he's been a superstar all along and apparently has overcome the vision loss very well.

Have faith in him to persevere, and in those around him to help, and give yourself a break from worry to make more room for pride in him!

for you and for him!

[mnhtnbb]

3. He's never let his vision impairment stop him...BUT

he also has been hesitant to advocate for himself.

Last time...when he came home from Berlin...he told me "people were so mean".
He would ask for help--directions on the subway--in perfect German without
telling anyone he couldn't see the signs.

My greatest challenge as his mom has been--since he was 9 when he had a sudden loss
of sight--to convince him to just tell people he has a vision impairment when he asks for help.

I believe in the basic goodness of people to respond.

[HarveyDarkey]

4. Sounds like he's got his shit together

He's done it before, albeit under slightly different circumstances. He's got a Fulbright, you don't have to worry. He fit in with a family, dorm mates are a piece of cake compared to that. Best wishes to him, but I think they're not needed.

[mnhtnbb]

19. Best wishes are always appreciated. Thanks!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. vibes for you mnhtnbb and for your son.

just think of the adventures he will have

scary, letting go ...

[mnhtnbb]

18. Yes, it will be a terrific adventure.

Hubby and I are planning a trip to Europe in late October/early November. We'll
be spending a week in Berlin.

Thanks for the vibes!

[RiffRandell]

6. Good vibes for both of you!

What a wonderful opportunity. I understand your anxiety, but he sounds like a great young man that will enjoy an amazing experience.

Keep us posted!

[mnhtnbb]

17. Thanks for the vibes!

[a la izquierda]

7. Good luck to your son! I'm sure he'll do great

My mother wouldn't let me go to Europe on study abroad when I was in school. She was afraid I wouldn't come back.

[mnhtnbb]

8. Both his dad and I have encouraged him to think about a permanent move to Germany.

Seriously. Although his current plan is applications to grad schools in the US
for 2014.

[handmade34]

9. you must be a terrific Mom!!!

your son will thrive and grow... (((good vibes))) to you both

[mnhtnbb]

16. Thanks for the vibes!

[Rhiannon12866]

10. Wow. Kudos to your son, not only brilliant, but very brave!

And the same to you, for letting him go! Sending positive vibes to both of you! He sounds like an exceptional young man and you must be very proud...

[mnhtnbb]

15. Yes, we are very proud of him.

Thanks for the vibes!

[vanlassie]

11. I have a daughter living in London. She isn't vision impaired

but the distance is daunting. Then again, we have Skype and FaceTime and that makes us lucky to be living in these times. Remember when we had to worry about long distance charges? And then, we couldn't even see our kids!! OK even if he can't see you he bye golly better let you see him! Hugs, Mama!

[mnhtnbb]

13. Skype is going to be my new best friend!

[vanlassie]

21. Yep! It's nothing short of amazing.

[seabeyond]

12. Running across the vast forum to envelope you in a huge ass hug.... You are a brave mama

And so proud. My son is not visually impaired and only 18. I sent him off to college, a genius he is, with a fuzzy brain, lol. And he too is adept at gaining friends that guide him along.

But your son is so far away. And the best to him. The best to you too. I know how you feel. Sigh... It is hard, and joyous, and...

We miss them.

[mnhtnbb]

14. Thanks for the hug!

[mnhtnbb]

20. Just received an e-mail from him--safe & sound in Berlin--

which presumably means he has arrived at his dorm WITH all his luggage!
It's always a relief to know travel has gone ok.

[rurallib]

22. He will amaze you

and I am sure appreciates that you are a bundle of nerves.

Bet he even picks up a girlfriend over there - then you will have something to worry about.

[mnhtnbb]

23. Uh, no. He's gay...and leaving a SO here. They already have plans

to meet up in Spain in October...and then possibly Rome/Turkey during winter break.

[panader0]

24. Wow! You should be very proud of your son.

I'm sure he will be just fine.