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More from Yosh-E-O
ART BY:
aricub
Original Art - https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30990432/
(Follow the link above to read the visual description. Surgery story is below.)
Back in 2013, I had just recovered from my eye, for lack of better words, ‘imploding’ and requiring a series of six surgeries and seven months to return to any degree of usefulness for my current job. The journey was rough but the greatest light at the end of that dark tunnel between August 2012 and March 2013 was Silly Filly Studios’ “Snowdrop”.
“Snowdrop” was recommended to me by a local MLP group. One of the members is actually still quite active at BronyCon. However, to the point, “Snowdrop” was the first time I ever saw a blind character in a lead role that wasn’t ‘stereotypical’. Her blindness was simply a part of her character while her story and how she ‘owned her condition’ along with having strong parental support really moved me. Knowing how I wouldn’t need my eyes to find a place in the world is what finally made me accept, after a life-long struggle against Glaucoma, that I would lose all my sight but would still be okay despite this happening.
After learning Silly Filly Studios was going to be at BronyCon in 2013, I knew I had to attend. To meet the people behind what got me to finally accept knowing I’d eventually have zero eyesight. This is when I had the honor of meeting the voice and writer of the animation, Meredith Sims.
Meredith was beyond amazing in how she described how “Snowdrop” came to be. Most notably was how, as I had thought myself, she shared that Snowdrop’s character was never intended to be defined by her blindness. The blindness was simply a part of what made her able to do what was needed to be presented in the heartwarming animation.
Flash forward to 2014, I managed to get Meredith to sit in on the first ever “Coping With Limitations Through Pony” panel. Having seen so many people with special needs being accepted and thriving within the MLP community inspired me to want to see if BronyCon would make a panel to celebrate this fact. BC said that I should submit for such a panel and, well, the rest is history.
Since meeting Meredith in 2013, I managed to commission Lil Moon, a frequent vendor of plushies at BronyCon, for a Snowdrop plush. I was honored she made mine at the same time she made the one she did for Meredith herself. This plush has since been with me for a majority of my follow-up eye appointments and every surgery I went through during 2016 until I was medically determined to be 100% blind on December 15th, 2016.
Recently, my right eye became toxic to the rest of my body and needed to be surgically removed. Once again, Snowdrop was with me. However, unlike past procedures, the doctors and nurses allowed me to bring her into the Operating Room!
It was very heartwarming as, prior to being wheelled back, they even put one of the ‘warming blankets’ over Snowdrop and did not have her leave my hold until they had put me fully under to complete the procedure. I woke up to have Snowdrop back in my lap with the doctors and nurses saying they passed her around during the surgery. It was quite touching.
Now, as I think back on twelve major surgeries, dozens of ‘minor procedures’, and everything in-between, I must say the greatest gift the “Friendship Is Magic” fandom has granted me is “Snowdrop”. “Snowdrop” is the purest of examples of how a great mainstream idea can inspire endless creative possibilities. These then lead to other imaginative stories, music, art, and other media that will capture the attention of others and continue the cycle of greater acceptance, understanding, empowerment, and community for all.
aricubOriginal Art - https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30990432/
(Follow the link above to read the visual description. Surgery story is below.)
Back in 2013, I had just recovered from my eye, for lack of better words, ‘imploding’ and requiring a series of six surgeries and seven months to return to any degree of usefulness for my current job. The journey was rough but the greatest light at the end of that dark tunnel between August 2012 and March 2013 was Silly Filly Studios’ “Snowdrop”.
“Snowdrop” was recommended to me by a local MLP group. One of the members is actually still quite active at BronyCon. However, to the point, “Snowdrop” was the first time I ever saw a blind character in a lead role that wasn’t ‘stereotypical’. Her blindness was simply a part of her character while her story and how she ‘owned her condition’ along with having strong parental support really moved me. Knowing how I wouldn’t need my eyes to find a place in the world is what finally made me accept, after a life-long struggle against Glaucoma, that I would lose all my sight but would still be okay despite this happening.
After learning Silly Filly Studios was going to be at BronyCon in 2013, I knew I had to attend. To meet the people behind what got me to finally accept knowing I’d eventually have zero eyesight. This is when I had the honor of meeting the voice and writer of the animation, Meredith Sims.
Meredith was beyond amazing in how she described how “Snowdrop” came to be. Most notably was how, as I had thought myself, she shared that Snowdrop’s character was never intended to be defined by her blindness. The blindness was simply a part of what made her able to do what was needed to be presented in the heartwarming animation.
Flash forward to 2014, I managed to get Meredith to sit in on the first ever “Coping With Limitations Through Pony” panel. Having seen so many people with special needs being accepted and thriving within the MLP community inspired me to want to see if BronyCon would make a panel to celebrate this fact. BC said that I should submit for such a panel and, well, the rest is history.
Since meeting Meredith in 2013, I managed to commission Lil Moon, a frequent vendor of plushies at BronyCon, for a Snowdrop plush. I was honored she made mine at the same time she made the one she did for Meredith herself. This plush has since been with me for a majority of my follow-up eye appointments and every surgery I went through during 2016 until I was medically determined to be 100% blind on December 15th, 2016.
Recently, my right eye became toxic to the rest of my body and needed to be surgically removed. Once again, Snowdrop was with me. However, unlike past procedures, the doctors and nurses allowed me to bring her into the Operating Room!
It was very heartwarming as, prior to being wheelled back, they even put one of the ‘warming blankets’ over Snowdrop and did not have her leave my hold until they had put me fully under to complete the procedure. I woke up to have Snowdrop back in my lap with the doctors and nurses saying they passed her around during the surgery. It was quite touching.
Now, as I think back on twelve major surgeries, dozens of ‘minor procedures’, and everything in-between, I must say the greatest gift the “Friendship Is Magic” fandom has granted me is “Snowdrop”. “Snowdrop” is the purest of examples of how a great mainstream idea can inspire endless creative possibilities. These then lead to other imaginative stories, music, art, and other media that will capture the attention of others and continue the cycle of greater acceptance, understanding, empowerment, and community for all.
Category All / My Little Pony / Brony
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 1215px
File Size 1.11 MB
Wow. It's really nice that the doctors embraced Snowdrop instead of keeping you from bringing her to the operation. I'll give those professionals credit for recognizing how the simple act of allowing a plushie into a scary medical procedure can only make things better for the patient. Good on them!
What's more is, when I attended the one-week follow-up this past Thursday, they let me show them the clip of where Snowdrop's mom tells Snowdrop about not needing her eyes to find her place in the world. They really liked it.
Another neat point is how the doctor who removed my eye is one I only got to know this month. However she did mention how she had seen Snowdrop with me at other appointments. So she definitely isn't just being cordial / humoring me when she sees the importance of the plush and story.
Oh! Ari and Wayward made some really epic progress on the 'Descriptive Audio' version of the animation! It's going to be so exciting when it is finished. Even though I'm really on the sidelines for this effort, I feel it will be a true crowning achievement for "Coping With Limitations". :)
Another neat point is how the doctor who removed my eye is one I only got to know this month. However she did mention how she had seen Snowdrop with me at other appointments. So she definitely isn't just being cordial / humoring me when she sees the importance of the plush and story.
Oh! Ari and Wayward made some really epic progress on the 'Descriptive Audio' version of the animation! It's going to be so exciting when it is finished. Even though I'm really on the sidelines for this effort, I feel it will be a true crowning achievement for "Coping With Limitations". :)
That's awesome. Ari is a person of many talents. I was thinking about the Snowdrop Short. I wonder if those doctors will keep that video in the back of their mind should they ever have to help another person in a similar situation to yours. If that's the case, then this cute and heartfelt video could have an even more positive effect helping others.
I've shared links, audio discs, and the like with the doctors at UPMC Eye Institue in Pittsburgh, PA. I have heard my materials, including "Twinkle Morningdew", were funnled over to the Children's Hospital. So, with luck, Snowdrop and Twinkle will be keeping younger children struggling with vision loss positive and upbeat for many years to come. :)
Even cooler is how, when I shared this on Facebook, I tagged Meredith herself and got a reply from her father!
It was neat to share a few words with Mr. Sims. I wonder how much of what I told him that he already knew? Most of it was from my experience meeting Meredith and how I made sure to always thank her for giving me what I needed to accept total blindness.
It was neat to share a few words with Mr. Sims. I wonder how much of what I told him that he already knew? Most of it was from my experience meeting Meredith and how I made sure to always thank her for giving me what I needed to accept total blindness.
I'm so glad Snowdrop was there to help you through your surgery! You know, it would be so good to see a blind character appearing in a cartoon like MLP or any other children's show, in a story that isn't about the central characters learning to be understanding of blind people... wouldn't it be great if the blind or disabled character came back again another time, and took part in an adventure that didn't involve their disability? ^.^
In my grown-up life, I'm a great lover of the novels of Wilkie Collins, and I think his 1856 book "The Dead Secret" is still the best ever portrayal of a blind character in English fiction - one of the main characters is blind, but that doesn't really have any bearing on the plot of the novel, it's just an incidental detail. He's a good and honourable man with a couple of personality flaws that are unconnected to his blindness; a complete person just like everyone else in the book. If Collins could do that in a novel 163 years ago, couldn't some American cartoon-maker do it today? *giggles and hugs*
In my grown-up life, I'm a great lover of the novels of Wilkie Collins, and I think his 1856 book "The Dead Secret" is still the best ever portrayal of a blind character in English fiction - one of the main characters is blind, but that doesn't really have any bearing on the plot of the novel, it's just an incidental detail. He's a good and honourable man with a couple of personality flaws that are unconnected to his blindness; a complete person just like everyone else in the book. If Collins could do that in a novel 163 years ago, couldn't some American cartoon-maker do it today? *giggles and hugs*
*Nods and smiles wide* Yep, yep, yep!
So far I only know of "Snowdrop" doing this successfully to this date. Sadly, being a fan animation, it doesn't hit the mainstream as much as a more commercially pushed animation. (Though this hasn't stopped me from dropping it wherever I can to help it get more attention so, hopefully, others may learn from Meredith's writing)
I wrote Twinkle Morningdew[/I] to more strongly get the message across on being born with a disability. However, unlike "Snowdrop", the blindness is the primary focal point with the character, Perky Robins, being the one to see Twinkle for more than his disability.
*Snugs tight* I love your vast knowledge you have as a squiggle, Zoom-Zoom. I wonder if I may be able to find that book on my US Library Of Congress app? It sounds like it could be a fun read.
What I've found truly great is when, at work, I have co-workers who do genuinely forget that I'm blind. It's not like they say a word and worry I get offended over it. Rather, they are having a chat with me and then hand a paper with writing on it and go, "Whoops! The way you are makes me forget you can't see.". I like knowing that my actions can show people how blindness is not my defining feature.
One day, if I can continue to grow as an author, I'd like to try and do a story that sneaks a lot of special needs into it. However, honestly, it would be only through reading between the lines that someone would notice them. :)
So far I only know of "Snowdrop" doing this successfully to this date. Sadly, being a fan animation, it doesn't hit the mainstream as much as a more commercially pushed animation. (Though this hasn't stopped me from dropping it wherever I can to help it get more attention so, hopefully, others may learn from Meredith's writing)
I wrote Twinkle Morningdew[/I] to more strongly get the message across on being born with a disability. However, unlike "Snowdrop", the blindness is the primary focal point with the character, Perky Robins, being the one to see Twinkle for more than his disability.
*Snugs tight* I love your vast knowledge you have as a squiggle, Zoom-Zoom. I wonder if I may be able to find that book on my US Library Of Congress app? It sounds like it could be a fun read.
What I've found truly great is when, at work, I have co-workers who do genuinely forget that I'm blind. It's not like they say a word and worry I get offended over it. Rather, they are having a chat with me and then hand a paper with writing on it and go, "Whoops! The way you are makes me forget you can't see.". I like knowing that my actions can show people how blindness is not my defining feature.
One day, if I can continue to grow as an author, I'd like to try and do a story that sneaks a lot of special needs into it. However, honestly, it would be only through reading between the lines that someone would notice them. :)
That could be a lot of fun. I'd most definitely go for writing a sequel to the story of "Twinkle Morningdew". Perhaps an alternative story? Maybe a time when he adventures to another place and nobody ever realizes he is blind as the way he uses his 'cane' makes it seem more like a walking stick?
I can't wait until I get myself back together again. 10:00 to 7:00 shifts are murder. I wasn't able to get to really anything yesterday and I try to nap in the mornings so I have the energy for all the customer impact. They came in like lightning yesterday. I did help everyone but boy am I ever behind on things on this end. :(
I'll try to reply to your text later today. Ethan and I haven't had much chance to just sit and chat beyond doing some jokes before bed.
I can't wait until I get myself back together again. 10:00 to 7:00 shifts are murder. I wasn't able to get to really anything yesterday and I try to nap in the mornings so I have the energy for all the customer impact. They came in like lightning yesterday. I did help everyone but boy am I ever behind on things on this end. :(
I'll try to reply to your text later today. Ethan and I haven't had much chance to just sit and chat beyond doing some jokes before bed.
What do you know! *Scampers giddily in place* It was the first selectable choice in the app!
I just downloaded it. So I'll let you know what I think after I get to read it. Books are great to read while doing chores as, for me, they keep my mind off of how annoying they are while allowing me to still feel productive.
Nothing will ever replace just sitting in a cozy spot and flipping through pages. However life is about adapting and, well, *Giggles* changes happen. *Wiggles his crinkly bottom*
I just downloaded it. So I'll let you know what I think after I get to read it. Books are great to read while doing chores as, for me, they keep my mind off of how annoying they are while allowing me to still feel productive.
Nothing will ever replace just sitting in a cozy spot and flipping through pages. However life is about adapting and, well, *Giggles* changes happen. *Wiggles his crinkly bottom*
Good to hear that the cartoon pony (and its plushy iteration) have been able to have such a positive impact on your life. Also that she was allowed into the surgery with you - I suppose as they were working on your eye, there was little risk of her contaminating the site or getting covered in gore...
*Cringes* Yeah... The 'gore' part is why I never have really bothered to research what goes into all my surgeries. I'd rather not know what they did to my eye while I was semi-awake and totally riding the lines between life-and-death with General Anesthesia.
After they removed the patch covering my eye I was informed I'd have 'Bloody Tears'. I thought of "Castlevania" when I heard this as, well, one of the songs in the series is known as "Bloody Tears". However there was a bit more of them than I'd have liked as my son would keep saying he saw blood going down the right side of my face. Then, just before the bloody tearing stopped, my ex-wife came into our old room to pick up more of her things and saw the pillow I cuddle my Yoshi with covered in ick.
Fortunately, the prosthetic shouldn't be icky at all. Hopefully. *Nervous giggle*
After they removed the patch covering my eye I was informed I'd have 'Bloody Tears'. I thought of "Castlevania" when I heard this as, well, one of the songs in the series is known as "Bloody Tears". However there was a bit more of them than I'd have liked as my son would keep saying he saw blood going down the right side of my face. Then, just before the bloody tearing stopped, my ex-wife came into our old room to pick up more of her things and saw the pillow I cuddle my Yoshi with covered in ick.
Fortunately, the prosthetic shouldn't be icky at all. Hopefully. *Nervous giggle*
Well, to be honest, I'm not squeamish about such things... except for when it comes to the eyes.
Growing up, I was told a lot of things from my parents on what to look out for, how important it was to protect my eye, etc. I had a genuine fear of sharp objects, like knives and scissors, as I kept having mental visions of them somehow getting into my only eye and taking it out.
Now that I no longer have working eyes and am missing an eye entirely, these worries are going away. However, quite honestly, I could deal with heart surgery more than I could with eye surgery after all I've been through.
*Blush* Sorry for getting all wacky on this. Eyes are just a sensitive topic when it comes to traumas to them. It's getting better but I'm still getting over my fears and concerns about 'guarding the eye'.
Growing up, I was told a lot of things from my parents on what to look out for, how important it was to protect my eye, etc. I had a genuine fear of sharp objects, like knives and scissors, as I kept having mental visions of them somehow getting into my only eye and taking it out.
Now that I no longer have working eyes and am missing an eye entirely, these worries are going away. However, quite honestly, I could deal with heart surgery more than I could with eye surgery after all I've been through.
*Blush* Sorry for getting all wacky on this. Eyes are just a sensitive topic when it comes to traumas to them. It's getting better but I'm still getting over my fears and concerns about 'guarding the eye'.
I found your story and your work through a couple mutual friends and you're a wonderful person! Despite everything you've been going through, you persevere and stay chipper. You're an inspiration to many. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I hope you continue being wonderful!
I'm honored you took the time to read this tale of pressing on despite what life may throw your way. I've honestly found we all have times that are far from positive but sharing our tales helps us to not only feel better but let others know someone else does know what it is like to go through difficult times.
For as long as I can, I plan to continue using all my resources to positively advocate for myself and others. So many have aided in my well-being over the years and I intend to always pay the favor forward.
For as long as I can, I plan to continue using all my resources to positively advocate for myself and others. So many have aided in my well-being over the years and I intend to always pay the favor forward.
I love how it looks as though Snowdrop is watching over you. I feel as though you are far happier than I would have expected you to be.
If I ever marry, I might want to close my eyes now and then -- so that I can see my wife with my heart rather than my eyes. I have started to feel that there can be something almost magical about being blind (or playing pretend), despite the serious handicap.
If I ever marry, I might want to close my eyes now and then -- so that I can see my wife with my heart rather than my eyes. I have started to feel that there can be something almost magical about being blind (or playing pretend), despite the serious handicap.
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