The book is based on a story from my childhood that I’ve always remembered.  I think this story has a good message, so I decided to try my hand at writing a children’s book to share that story with others.  I’ve found that using creativity to keep me balanced has worked for me all my life.  Visual art has always been my fallback, but for this project, I left the illustrations to my talented cousin, John Dydo. 

 

As a person who has retinitis pigmentosa, I always search out a light to focus on.  As a child, I always looked for the moon in the night sky when we were riding in the car.  My brother’s explanation for the ever-present moon has stayed with me for life and still makes me smile. 

 

Although my vision has been impaired since childhood, my family never treated me differently.  Because of that, I kept up with my big brother and we did everything together.

 

I decided to share this story for a couple of reasons.  I want to introduce children to this vision disability, but I want them to know that disabilities don’t have to hinder the joys of life, in childhood or ever.  And for kids who do have RP, I want them to see that they can enjoy all of the things that other children enjoy, and shoot for the moon! 

 

The Light of the Moon and Big Brothers is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  You can also purchase the book directly from me through this website's Contact page.