This past week I have been thinking about mobility. I have been reflecting on the small accommodations I have made over the years since the day of my initial vision loss. Generally speaking, when I could drive myself around, I would carry a large purse which acted as a catch all for all kinds of little odds and ends.
The transition from purse to pocket came
gradually. I am a little shamefaced to admit that when I was first introduced
to a white cane, I used a fold up kind, which I tucked inside my purse. Yes, I
know. It didn’t do me any good to have it there, but it was out of sight and
initially that was the way I wanted it. However, when it became clear to me
that I needed to use a cane as much for my own safety as anything, the purse
became a hindrance.
These days, I like to have my hands free of
nonessential encumbrances. This way I
can hold my white cane in my right hand and if I need to do so, I can take a
guide’s arm with my left. Gone are the days when I carried a purse over my arm.
Additionally, in those early days of vision
loss when I was no longer able to drive, I found that I was walking more. The
purse and its contents were heavy. I tried solving the problem by switching to
a backpack but this was also added weight and soon I began sorting through the
contents to see what it was that I really needed to carry around with me.
Eventually, I found that I could put most of this – door keys, a small amount
of cash and an ID card, in a pocket.
It’s been an interesting transition from
purse to pocket and one which didn’t happen overnight. I think that my biggest
transition was one of self-image. I have
needed to develop new ways of thinking. I needed to balance the fact of my
vision impairment against a wish to retain my independence. It’s been an
interesting journey and it’s not over yet!
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