“You don't take a class; you're thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.” - Jennie Finch. When Holly heard about her pregnancy soon after loss of vision she became very worried. She was still learning to deal with the challenges of legal blindness and was presented with the added responsibility of preparing herself for her baby. With her strong determination and the support of her husband today she is confidently raising two daughters and enjoying motherhood. Challenges due to visual impairment do not hold her back from her parenting duties, personal accomplishments and spending quality time with her family. Her blog “Blind Motherhood” is a helpful resource for individuals and their families who have been impacted by vision loss. Holly’s exceptional story has been featured in publications like People magazine, Perspectives magazine and Daily Mail UK.

Can you tell us about your most memorable moment of being a mother?H: My most memorable moment of motherhood has to be holding each of my daughters for the first time. Feeling the weight of this tiny human being placed in your arms is both magical and terrifying. I remember feeling each of my children’s fingers and toes, stroking their soft, tiny faces and smelling them. Newborns have this amazing scent, it’s fresh life, and there is nothing more beautiful.

What day to day challenges do you face as a parent? How do you overcome these challenges?H: Every day I face challenges as a mother, but it’s important to remember that not all of them are related to my visual impairment. Being a mom is the toughest job in the world. Children will test your patience and challenge your sanity. There have been many times, particularly with my youngest daughter, where I have wished I could give myself a time out and go take a nap! Unfortunately, that doesn’t often happen.
I acquired my disability after a long illness and I often get frustrated by the amount of time it takes me to do things for my family – like prepping a meal or folding laundry. Yes, I can absolutely accomplish these tasks independently, but the extra time needed to do so gets to me sometimes.
I rely a lot on my husband to help overcome daily challenges. It’s important to have a partner you can count on when you get tired or need a break from your children because trust me, you will need a break! I also try to be kind to myself. I know I am my own worst critic. No parent is perfect and I remind myself it’s okay if I mess up during the day.

What are your goals for your website, Blind Motherhood?H: My goal is for Blind Motherhood to become a place where blind/visually impaired parents around the world can share their personal stories. We currently have about six regular contributors and I would love to see that number grow. I currently pay contributors based on unique page views within a 30-day period. If someone is not a blogger but wants to get their feet wet, I also help edit and guide them through the writing process. I want Blind Motherhood to be a place where visually impaired parents find their voice.
In addition, I hope to capture the attention of international blind organizations. Blind/Visually impaired parents are a part of the blind community. We deserve to have people working on our behalf and providing the supportive services necessary to address the unique issues we’re facing.

What were your concerns when you heard about your pregnancy soon after your loss of vision? How did your family help you with this journey?H: My first reaction after I learned of my pregnancy was, “God really does have impeccable timing.” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was extremely worried because I was still in the process of learning basic tasks as a newly blind woman, like crossing the street and cooking. I felt extremely anxious because I knew I had a limited amount of time to learn as much as I could to prepare for my baby. My husband believed in me the entire time and was committed to providing me with whatever support I needed. However, I lived in a constant state of fear that children’s services or extended family would challenge my right to parent and attempt to take my baby away from me.

Who is your inspiration?H: My daughters are my inspiration. Everything I do, I do for them. I want them to grow up in a more accepting and inclusive world. I can only hope my advocacy work and Blind Motherhood helps to accomplish this in some small way.

What kind of activities do you like to do with your daughters?H: I love to craft with my daughters! We paint, do play-doh, and make homemade cards! I also love reading to them. Right now, their favorite book is “Pig the Pug.” I use my OrCam, handheld magnifier or sometimes I just memorize a book to read to my girls.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?H: Although I don’t get there very often, the Library Hotel in NYC is one of my favorite places to visit. It houses over 6,000 books organized by the Dewey Decimal System and each of the hotel’s guestrooms is uniquely adorned with books and art exploring the distinctive topic within the category it belongs to. It’s a quiet, restful, and relaxing place smack in the heart of busy Manhattan. Although it might seem strange that a visually impaired woman would love a place where she can’t exactly take in all the “sights,” the smells, sounds, taste, and feelings I get when I go to the Library Hotel are the reason I keep going back.

What are your other interests?H: I’m a huge movie buff, horror flicks mostly. I also dabble in poetry and won NYC’s Department of Cultural Affair’s 2017 #Poettweet contest.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are facing challenges?H: Be thankful for every challenge you encounter throughout your life because it will help develop your strength and character. You may not believe these sentiments now, but trust me, one day you will understand you are exactly where you’re supposed to be – right here - in this very moment.

Any special message for our community?H: Always remember, mothers don’t need to “see” in order to love; we simply “feel” it. The depths of emotion we have for our children takes root within each of our souls. Never let another person’s words cause you to doubt this unshakable bond. Always remember, loving your child requires no “special” accommodations.