Sometimes when I walk with my white cane I wonder why I need
it. After all, I have memorized all the familiar routes around the town where I
live. These were my thoughts as I made my way home from the hairdresser last
week.
It was a pleasant day and I had maneuvered my way past the
usual intersections and pedestrian crosswalks when I came to the halfway
section of my route. When I heard the rumble of machinery I paused in my
tracks. What could possibly be ahead of me? I was inching forward when a male
voice called for me to “Stop right there!”
Now, while I have peripheral vision I don’t really have any worthwhile
central vision, so I was quite surprised when a male figure popped out of a
hole in the sidewalk in front of me. He explained that the town crew was
working all along the sidewalk where I intended walking and therefore I should
cross the street. He offered to help me with this.
Once across the street, and because there was no paved
sidewalk, the young man suggested that I might need additional assistance in
getting to where I was going. I was hesitant about this. I really like to keep
my independence, but Kelly – by this time I had ascertained his name – was both
pleasant and gracious with his offer, so I accepted.
What a smart move on my part! It turned out that not only
was the sidewalk blocked but there were several vehicles parked obstructing my
way, and a different crew was painting lines on the pedestrian crosswalk where
I would next need to be.
I learned two lessons that day. First, I should always carry
and use my cane when I am out and about by myself. How else would Kelly have
known that I needed some help? Secondly, I shouldn’t let my pride and wish for
independence stand in the way of
assistance when that help is offered.
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