April 21 - White Cane Again

For the past few months, I have been using walking sticks or poles instead of my white cane. These have worked quite well as I walk along familiar walking paths with my friend, Shirley. Shirley lets me know if we are coming to any obstacles or if there are other walkers coming our way. The path itself is wide enough for Shirley to also use her walking sticks. Often we come across other people who are using their poles for additional exercise. I have enjoyed the anonymity of being part of this group along our regular trail.

However, this past weekend Lyle and I went to the mountains to celebrate our anniversary. I thought that I would be able to continue to use my poles. This was not the best decision. The sidewalk outside our hotel was narrow and fairly congested. Also, in the town, we came across sloping driveways– slopes that I didn’t anticipate with my poles but which I would have been able to detect had I been using my white cane. In addition, the mountain walking trails that we used were somewhat uneven and not the best for someone with limited sight.

I was complaining about this to my other walking partner, Lois. She asked me what the difference was between the poles and my white cane. I surprised even myself with my quick response. There are two main advantages of the white cane. I am more able to feel the path ahead with the stretch of my cane in front of me. Secondly, the white cane identifies me as someone with limited sight. Other people can then either avoid my approach or offer to help if I look as if I need assistance.

As COVID restrictions are being lifted and summer months are approaching, Lyle and I are considering more outdoor adventures – and even adventures further afield from home. I can see that I will be putting my white cane back into regular use.