A couple who both lost their sight following separate violent attacks are now facing down critics who question their ability to be parents, proving them wrong with their dedicated and adaptive approach to family life.
Finding Love and Building a Family
Hareem and Jonesti, who each live with complete blindness after suffering horrific assaults, found love after meeting at a training centre for people with disabilities. Last year, their joy multiplied when they discovered they were expecting their first child together.
While Hareem was already a father to a daughter, A'lonni, from a previous relationship, this was Jonesti's first experience with pregnancy and the prospect of becoming a parent. She confessed to having significant initial worries, which she shared on the programme Love Don't Judge. Jonesti revealed, "[Hareem] didn't have any concerns about being a blind parent, but I definitely did: 'What if we fail them as parents because we do have a disability?'"
Their friends and family echoed these anxieties, repeatedly asking the pair, "How are you going to take care of this baby?"
Adapting to Parenthood Their Way
After welcoming their son, baby Anthony, into the world, the new parents encountered the predictable challenges of newborn care. Tasks like changing nappies presented a unique learning curve. However, Hareem and Jonesti quickly adapted, developing their own effective techniques for every aspect of childcare.
They have since achieved complete independence in caring for their little boy, silencing those who doubted them. As Hareem succinctly put it, "It is different being blind, I can say that - but you just find a different way to do things."
Facing Unwarranted Scrutiny and Cruelty
Despite their clear success as parents, the couple has been subjected to hurtful criticism and online trolling after sharing their story on social media. Jonesti reported receiving intrusive questions like, 'Are you sure you should be raising kids?' and 'How do you know if the baby is safe?' Some malicious individuals have even absurdly accused them of pretending to be blind.
Rather than internalising this negativity, Hareem and Jonesti focus their energy on their family's happiness. Jonesti stated, "I'm not going to be comfortable with being blind until we can live how we want to live and be the parents that we want to be. So far it's turning out pretty good!"
Thankfully, for every negative comment, they receive an outpouring of support. One inspired supporter commented, "All I see is two parents and a clean, organised house with too well-taken care of beautiful children. Maybe other people should take note." Another wrote, "Good for them!! They are some strong beautiful people!!! So happy that they found happiness."
