| Born Ronald Lee Perry, September 11, 1957, In
Grand Rapids (GR), MI, I was adopted by Ray and Harriet Silverthorn, staying
in GR till my folks divorced in 66.
We moved to Milwaukee, WI, where I stayed till I was 18. After drifting around for a while I returned to Grand Rapids in 1978, completed the High School Equivalency test in the upper 5%. The couple of years I studied Electronics Technology at National Education Center (NIT), Formerly R.E.T.S (Radio Electronics Television Schools) completing the basics in Feb/80. I completed the advanced training in Electronics Engineering Technology (Feb/82), after a year in the Army. I’ve worked in servicing ever since. I n August of 1984 time I was blessed with my first daughter Tricia Ann. 1986 seemed to be falling apart, my eyes were failing me. Dr. Leroy Strong (my ophthalmologist), diagnosed my eye trouble as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), dropping the bomb on me, I was going blind. However, he would be the best thing to come to pass, his guidance and assistance in finding training and counseling, helped in reclaiming self-confidence. 1987 began a new phase in my life. First I went to the Michigan Commission For the Blind Training Center (MCBTC). The time I spent there was enjoyable and educational, learning to do the simple things such as mobility, cooking, home repairs, and learning how to adapt in the many things we tend to take for granted when we have our vision. The next 3 years I studied the computer Technology at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). While at GRCC I was blessed with my second daughter Natasha Rosalynn born Sept/89, a blessed birth day present. I completed the core computer classes in Jun/91. 1988 brought even more unsettling news, my back was giving out, and I was having trouble walking, spending 12 months in a wheelchair. After a doctor’s appointment, I was told an injury to my back earlier in life was coming back to haunt me. I needed surgery, or I‘d lose use of my legs, surgery was Aug./1989, by the grace of God, and the doctors skill I’m back on my feet. 1995, I retuned to N.I.T. to enhance my skills in Electronics Engineering including computer hardware, and updating industrial theory. My visual acuity was also decreasing. After an appointment with Dr. Strong, I was told I needed cataract surgery; each eye was done at different times. My vision returned to near the point I’d almost been able to drive, but to no avail I was not to get it. June of 2000 I relocated to Wellston, Mi, about 2 hrs northwest of Grand Rapids, in Manistee County. Many things have come about; I now live alone as my divorce was final in April/2002. I also returned MCBTC in Apr.2002 for more non-visual skills, and I am now working to obtain my final goal independence, using my computer skills to serve the Wellston area with quality computer service including computer servicing, Internet access, and web site development. May/2003 brought me even closer to my goal of independence; my application for a dog guide was approved. I spent the month of July/2003 in Rochester, MI Learning how to properly work together with a guide dog. July 2nd was dog issue day, and that is when I met Ranger for the first time. I spent most the month of July in Rochester, MI preparing for, and training with Ranger the wonder dog (at least in my mind). Ranger is a pure breed German Shepard born the 18th of September 2001. We have had many adventures since we’ve been home, and I will be adding them later, so now you the rest of the story. Thomas R. Silverthorn & Ranger (my little Ford) |