June 29 - I Love A Parade

For many people, the end of June signals the beginning of summer. It’s a time for festivals, street markets, rodeos and parades. In some towns, there is an annual parade, perhaps for Canada Day or as in the case of our town, a parade associated with the town stampede and rodeo.

Theoretically, I love a parade, but at the same time the other side of my brain is asking why? I can’t see the floats. I don’t especially like crowds and there are bound to be people there whom I know but won’t recognize. Once again, I was quite undecided as to whether or not I wanted to go. In the end and in spite of my indecision, Lyle tossed the lawn chairs into the trunk and away we went.

Did I have a good time? Of course I did. It wasn’t as good as if I could see all that was going on, but nevertheless it was fun. Lyle manoeuvred our way through the crowds and found a good spot to place our chairs. The group of people who were sitting next to us were old friends and I had no need to explain anything about my vision challenges. As the morning wore on, I could feel the sun warm on my back. Lyle described each of the floats as they passed in front of us and I could definitely hear the music. I especially like the sound of bagpipes and there were two bands with this instrument. This year there had to be at least 200 horses in the parade. Lyle began to count about halfway through, but I could hear the sound of all the hooves clattering on the pavement. Next to us I could hear the excited yells of the youngsters as they dashed forward to retrieve the candies that were thrown their way. There was lots of laughter all around.

Yes, I love a parade! Certainly it could have been a more expanded experience if it wasn’t for my sight limitations, but I still managed to enjoy what I could. It was definitely better than sitting at home, feeling sorry for myself and looking at the wall. I love a parade!

There are two pictures with this post. In the first, a four-horse team pulling a wagon is passing in front of me. In the second picture, I am still watching as the wagon comes closer. There are two drivers wearing red t-shirts and I am wearing a red cardigan. There are a number of people in the wagon and two red flags at the rear.

Sue standing in front of a four-horse team pulling a wagon

Sue in front of the wagon

 

 

 

 

 

June 20 - Support Groups

As I have mentioned in past posts I belong to a support group for people with vision loss. At one point in time the age of our members ranged from 21 to 99.  Currently the age range is more like 40 to 85. However, it’d isn’t age that draws us together. Rather, it is our shared experience with the challenges associated with vision loss.

Sometimes at our meetings we share the frustrations of not being able to see well or not see at all.  These conversations often include the frustrations experienced by our care givers.  Hopefully the discussion will also lead to ways we can cope with these challenges.  At other meetings we might listen to a guest speaker or learn about a new assistive technology.  Always, we try to encourage each other.

At our most recent meeting we decided to share some tips we might pass on to someone who was at the beginning of vision loss.  The suggestions varied from practical tips in the kitchen (e.g., tactile bubbles on the surface of a microwave) to general thoughts on the use of audio technology available on phones and computers.  We had divided into two groups for this discussion.  While one group focused on practical issues, the other group talked about working with a sighted partner or friend. 

Denis and Denise spoke about this.  Denise has mobility challenges and uses a walking frame.  However, she is unable to lift the frame into the trunk of the car. Denis can’t see to drive but is perfectly able and willing to do the physical lifting of the walker.  Both Denis and Denise claimed this was just one example of their team work.

I am fortunate.  I have always had support from Lyle and my family who are all fully sighted.  My close friends who are also sighted, are also supportive and encouraging to me.  Nevertheless, there is something very special about the friendships I have developed within my support group.  There is a shared understanding of what it is like to be on this journey with partial sight.

June 11 - Vision Loss Adjustments

When my sight first declined, I learned that there were certain adjustments that would make my new life easier to manage. One basic rule was – “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Of course this rule is a good one for everyone in any circumstance, but it is even more so for someone with vision loss.

When I could see, looking for lost or misplaced items was a nuisance. Now that I can’t see as well, looking for those same items is more than just a minor inconvenience. It is a major frustration. When I could see, it was just a case of looking around until I spotted the lost item.  Now that I don’t see as well, it is important for me to remember the exact location of where I might have put those items I use on a more or less daily basis.

Of course, like many people I learned this lesson the hard way. As a sighted person, I was quite casual in where I put things down. At the beginning of my sight loss journey, I used to wear prescription glasses. I was forever setting them down beside before moving on to another activity. One spot was to put them on the chair where I had been sitting. I discovered the error of my ways when I sat down again – yes, you guessed it – right on the glasses. The frames were bent and I needed to head on down to the local optometrist to explain my situation. If you think that was bad, consider my embarrassment when later on in the same day, I repeated my mistake. 

In those early days, I seemed to be constantly “losing” small objects. Where did I leave my keys? My wallet? The phone? I’m still not perfect, but I am definitely more aware. The keys have their place beside the coffee pot. My wallet is in the top drawer and fortunately I no longer wear glasses.

A place for everything and everything in its place. It’s a simple rule but a practice that can save both time and wasted energy.

June 1 - Guide Dogs

This past Sunday was the Lions Foundation National Walk for Dog Guides. Traditionally, this annual walk is held on the last Sunday in May. This year it was indeed on the very last day in May. For the past several years Lyle and I have participated in the fund raising walk and I am so grateful to the many people who sponsor me in the endeavour.

Sometimes people ask me why I don’t apply for a guide dog myself. It feels strange for me to answer that I actually have too much vision. I say strange, because that is a statement I don’t use very often. Let me explain. Although I frequently don’t see things directly in front of me, I have good peripheral sight when it comes to movement. I’m afraid that I would be constantly pulling on the leash of a guide dog instead of letting the dog do the guiding work. I tend to get startled by things that I think I can see and would likely jerk to a stop or pull away. This would be quite confusing for a dog trying to guide me. I know that Lyle often has to remind me that he is the one who can see and I should let him lead the way and not rely on my phantom sightings.

The Lions Foundation provides dog guides to Canadians in several circumstances of need, not just vision impairment. At our local walk on Sunday, we heard from the recipient of a Lions dog guide who worked with Victims Services. They had recently returned from the Oakville Centre in Ontario where the match between dog and person had been made and the two week training session had taken place. The whole process of training and transportation is covered by the Lions Foundation at a cost of $35,000 per match. What an amazing service for Canadians in need.