Our son, Grant, began losing his vision at age 7 (he is now 27) due to the retinal disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP). By age 13 Grant was legally blind.
Over the years Grant has excelled in all grades of Braille (including Nemeth for math and science), he gained proficiency in mobility with his cane and adapted well to the countless other accommodating devices and processes. But his greatest asset has been his guide, Nebraska.
During Grant's junior year in high school Guide Dogs for the Blind delivered a precious two year old black Labrador. Nebraska is now 11 years old and is the most well trained, kind hearted guide that we could ever have imagined for our son. Guide Dogs for the Blind covered the $50,000 price tag, two weeks of intense on-site training, regular check ups and ongoing advice and guidance. Thanks will never be enough for that incredible organization.
From the time Nebraska joined forces with Grant, she has never failed him. She:
Grant is now 27 years old, married to the greatest life partner imaginable (Michelle), and the three of them continue to conquer life's challenges together.
Nebraska has been a faithful help through Grants' many challenges. She continues to look out for Grant and rarely steers him wrong (she does however regularly steer him through deep puddles so that she doesn't get her feet wet) and will guide him through many more of life's milestones.
Over the years we have all caught Nebraska in some pretty great photos. Here you may find many of them and it is just a small way to show our appreciation for Guide Dogs for the Blind and their priceless gift, Nebraska.
"I'm exhausted", says Nebraska.
NE is looking off to the right, can you find the white of her eyes?
Grant has Michelle and NE to keep him from walking over the edge. Good team work.
Grant and Meghan, king and queen.... with princess Nebraska.
She definitely enjoys time with brother Ross, especially if it includes a nap.
Grant and NE taking it easy on the couch.
She's not a big fan of photos, but is always a good sport... so long is she is near Ross.
Grant and Meghan, king and queen.... with princess Nebraska.
They are all pretty close.
This hike is up North of Scottsdale, AZ. NE was all through the river. A bit out of character for her, really.
Every February 13 she can expect a party.
She is so chill. Just looking out the window.
These three are a perfect family, Glendale, Arizona.
Taking it easy with a little refreshment, reading a book and enjoying conversation with the family by the pool.
Look how dark... and young.
Although NE is not a swimmer (at all), she does enjoy just standing in the water.
Wearing high-end Vibram hiking shoes with the family checking out old indian ruins.
Against the rules! But, she is getting old and prefers to look around. She earned it.
A very familiar sight. NE guiding Grant to class on time.
They work hard, and they rest hard.
Following orders as usual. No family photo would be complete without her.
At attention. She does not miss a command.
These two are are definitely buddies.
Probably not enjoying this...
Truly the perfect fit.
NE, you are not losing Grant, you are gaining Michelle.
Nice break from the harness, but ready to go anytime.
She was in the wedding party as she is a part of every major event in our lives since 2015.
These two are quite a team.
She always has presents to open.
She seems to favor a farm type setting. Maybe it's the freedom.
Just like Grant, not a big fan of the sand. They are both very particular and dislike getting sand everywhere.
You can tell how much she loves being held. Not really.
She ran forever! From one farm the next.
She has missed very few of these Phoenix fund raisers.
Pretty great sounds, sites and smells. She soaked it all in.
No... she never traveled like this. Just for the photo.
For years NE have been drinking out of a tea cup and saucer.
This was her first time really enjoying snow. And she did.
Airline attendants didn't even know she was there.
Ross, Anna and NE. She does keep her distance though. She's not a cuddler.
Espresso and an i-pad. Busy, bus, busy. She keeps up with the Guide Dogs for the Blind web site.
Just checking out the hood.
Always with us at the pool, but seldom in the pool.
Michelle and NE talking about Grant, no doubt.
So peaceful.
Lots of people, "when will they go home?", she wonders.
Cruising with Ross in his old ride. Love the huge bench seat.
But she keeps working. Nothing a tissue and Vicks can't handle.
Grant cant see her anyway.
That's Sarah's feet. Probably is not very comfortable for Sarah.
Just thinking.
These two do everything together.
At an event for Foundation Fighting Blindness in downtown Phoenix.
Sort of hiding, watching the front door for Grant to come home.
NE got absolutely nothing from him! Jerk.
They both get so excited when they see one another.
Sometimes she just needs alone time.
Stack of pillows, quiet house and a little dreaming about working for Grant.
Just want to hug her and thank her for all her guidance.
The neighborhood is safer when she is perched.
But.. Emma moved out. Now it's NE's.
Waiting to be picked up. NE can only do so much.
Officially the first one in our pool.
Ross claims to not be a big fan. Liar.
Love this photo. Walking from the car to college classes.
All we want... is time together.
And since it was Grandpa Robb, the answer was a resounding "Yes!" We split the bowl evenly.
Pastor Robb Williams
21 Guinn Drive, Washington, PA 15301 United States
Copyright © 2024 Pastor Robb Williams - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.