October 15

When I was little, I thought that everyone who used a white cane was blind – that they couldn’t see anything at all. Of course, some people who use a white cane don’t see anything, but there are many others, myself included, who have some sight. I think that this is one of the messages I have tried to convey with the White Cane Connections journey.

My white cane is a tool and I use it as such, but there are also times when I don’t need it. I suppose I could compare it to a hammer. A hammer is a tool which is very useful when it comes to pounding in a nail but it would be a bit of overkill if used to push in a thumb tack. I use my cane constantly and consistently when it comes to independent travel and mobility, but I don’t use it when I am in my own home, or walking in familiar and easy places with Lyle by my side.

When I was little, I saw things as strictly black and white. Now that I have more experience, I can see that there are many shades of “in between”. I am always grateful for what I do see, but I am also grateful for my white cane as a mobility tool for the situations when I am unable to see enough.