VIDBE-Q Volume 64 Issue 4
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true author and I as simply the architect. Fourth, is the poem credible or
seem credible? The poem was also shared with the mother as a form of
member check for validity. The use of her precise words strengthened the
persuasiveness and validity of the representation (Reissman, 2008).
The final standard addresses impact. Does the poem have impact? I
definitely feel that this poem has impact. This alternate form of data
presentation is one mother's lived emotional experience, journey, and
portrays one person's real experience and reflection of the parent-to-parent
social support she received. The poem is also a reflection of the shared
experiences of all the mothers who participated in the overall research
project. The poem "Momma Bear and Bootstraps" is the words of one
mother and it eloquently, both emotionally and intellectually, demonstrates
the journey of this mother from fear of the unknown to confidence while
raising a child with VI.
The poem also highlights the empowerment and resilience parents
gain through reciprocal support and guidance of other mothers who have
children with VI. Parent to parent social support is an important and critical
provision to include in any program designed to support children with VI
and their families. The use of a variety of social supports, a combination of
both formal and informal, can be the way all families, regardless of the
