February 16 - White Canes and Luggage

Using a white cane in one hand and carrying anything else in the other can be tricky.  Once when I was travelling alone I decided to take a small handbag.  After all, many women carry a purse or handbag.  For me it was a big mistake.  I couldn't manage the purse in the same hand as my cane, and if I used the other arm the purse kept banging between the arm of my guide and myself as I took her arm.

These days Lyle and I have worked in it a system that will works for us.  We both wear backpacks and Lyle pulls our one shared suitcase with his left hand.  I take his right elbow and use my cane in my right hand.  It simplifies packing knowing that there will only be one suitcase.

I know that every person will work out their own way of doing things.  The other night at the airport I saw another couple with an interesting system.  The man who was blind hauled the suitcase in his left hand and used a long white cane in his right.  The wife walked shoulder to shoulder with him, grasping his upper right arm.  I thought it looked a little awkward but this couple kept up a brisk pace heading on their way.

Today in Waikiki it has been raining.  Oh yes, I forgot how tricky it is using an umbrella in addition to my cane.  Next time for sure I will bring a raincoat, or perhaps I just need to grow another arm!