Tuesday, 29 January 2013

January 29 - Another White Cane Connection



Today, by happy coincidence, I met Cheri. Lyle and I had walked down to the reception area at our condo and there was Cheri, standing there with her white cane. To my chagrin, I was just holding Lyle’s arm and didn’t have my cane with me, but I introduced myself anyway. 

It’s always good to talk with someone else who uses a white cane and to share experiences. I liked talking with Cheri. She and her cane appeared to have had many travel experiences. She told me of the one time that her cane had broken when it went through security scanning at the airport. Later at a restaurant when the staff there noticed her broken cane, they tried to help her out.  A waiter took a menu, and rolled it and taped it tightly around the broken cane.  This make-do splint worked for the rest of her trip. We agreed that it was wise to carry an extra cane when we travel. I’ve never lost or broken my cane when I’ve been away, but I do carry a spare.

Cheri and I also talked about meeting people who were not sure what they should do or how to react when they meet a white cane user. She told me about the one time someone had even picked up the roller tip at the end of her cane and proceeded to lead her that way. We agreed that most people mean well but education and awareness would help.

It was good to make another white cane connection. Thanks, Cheri!

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