Seeing the World through Ella’s Eyes
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Ella is a four-year-old little girl with bright eyes and a curious heart. Lately, something feels different. She has been falling down the stairs daily. When she watches her favorite shows, she scoots closer and closer to the television. Sometimes she squints her eyes, trying extra hard to make things look clear. Her mom and dad begin to notice. They see the way she leans forward. They hear the questions she asks. And they gently wonder if her eyes might need a little help.
While it took Ella some time, she grew in confidence slowly but surely. She began to not just ask questions, but she began to share her story with her friends. “It helps me when you say your name when you are telling me hello! It also helps me when you slow down when I get close to the stairs! Remember, my cane and monocular are tools, not toys!” She wants to teach other kids that they, too, can learn with different tools if they have a disability or teach them how to help others who have a disability. She wants her friends to know they aren’t alone if or when they have to face something hard. She is reminded that this is her living testimony of how faithful God is to those who love him. It doesn’t mean she isn’t finished having hard times, but she knows who she can go to when hard times come. She loves to use her story to share the hope of Jesus.
In all that Ella has been through, she has dreams of being a doctor to help kids just like her. The world around us is filled with so many people with different vision needs or disabilities. Ella is one little girl trying to bring sparkle back into the lives of those who see in all different ways. She hopes others can see the world through her eyes.
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About the Book
Ella is a bright, joyful little girl with sparking blue eyes, a contagious smile, and a heart full of courage. When a genetic eye condition begins to take away her vision, Ella learns that even in life’s hardest moments, hope can still shine brightly.
Inspired by a true story, Seeing the World through Ella’s Eyes is a touching journey of faith, resilience, and discovering that God’s love remains constant through every challenge. Through Ella’s story, young readers will learn that our greatest trials can become powerful testimonies.
About the Author
Caitlin Goodspeed is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ, as well as a devoted wife and mother. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Services from Abilene Christian University and her Master of Education in Teaching from the University of North Texas, all while stepping into motherhood. She has served as an elementary school teacher in both Texas and Utah.
When her daughter Gabriella (“Ella”) was born, she faced multiple medical complexities. Ella’s father, Jaxon, lives with a visual impairment caused by a genetic mutation called Optic Atrophy (OPA-1), resulting in legal blindness at age five. At four years old, Ella did not pass her vision screening, beginning a year-long journey that revealed she carries the same genetic mutation as her father and grandmother (Lala), Cindy. Soon after, her younger sister, Georgia, was also diagnosed. Within one year, Ella’s vision declined from 20/20 to 20/100.
Though there is no cure for Optic Atrophy, the Goodspeed family is committed to raising awareness for the Blind and Visually Impaired communities. Having her daughters received care from leading Ophthalmologist and Low Vision Specialist in the United States, Caitlin is incredibly grateful for the doctors who have made a clear path on what is next. Caitlin writes from a place of both grief and deep faith.
Today, five generations of their family share this condition in varying degrees. Through their story, they hope to encourage children and families who long not only to see more clearly — but to feel truly seen.