"I can make my life as full and rich as I possibly can"
As her vision changed, Martha worried her world might start getting smaller. But a trip reminded her that she didn't have to give up the things she loved. Turns out, asking for a little help can take you a long way.
Hadley
“I can make my life as full and rich as I possibly can”
Martha: I think that was one of my big learnings was asking for help and that really, it can change everything, it really can.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Martha: My name is Martha Taylor and I live in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I was diagnosed with macular dystrophy and after I did some genetic testing, I had a form of Stargardt and Stargardt's is an eye condition that usually starts in young children, but you have to have two gene pairs to have that form of Stargardt. And after my genetic testing, I found out I only had one gene pair, which is why my condition didn't come on until later in life. And I really didn't notice any difference until probably about 10 years ago. And have been kind of trying to figure my way forward since then.
I've always been very independent and I love to go on trips and travel and the thing that has been the hardest for me is to ask for help and to not see that as like a character flaw or a moral failing.
I went on a two week cruise last fall with my cousin and it was a Baltic sea cruise and I've never been to that part of the world at all, but she said, "I want to do this with you."
So the first few days we kind of spent time navigating the ship and navigating the walking tours and here's the curb and here's cobblestone and you know, and I would just have to say to her, "I can't see that. Can you describe it to me? " And it was fantastic.
I thought, "Oh, traveling is done for me. " And no, it's not. And it really gives you confidence. I think that was one of my big learnings was the asking for help and that really, it can change everything, it really can.
We all need help and sometimes you need, sometimes you need a little more than other times and, I think just seeking the support of other groups or services or friends or family because we tend to isolate. We tend to say, "Oh, our world is so small now and shrinking," but it doesn't have to be. And so I just had to suck it up and just say, "I'm going to do this. I can make my life as full and rich as I possibly can, but I can't do that by myself."
Marc: You never know who might need to hear your story. If you’d like to share with us, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites voicemail. By calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can use your smartphone or computer and email us a recording to [email protected].
All Episodes
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Episode 85
When Nancy's vision deteriorated to the point that it was challenging to navigate streets of a neighborhood she walked for decades, it was humbling. But a friend's comment surprised and inspired her. Her perspective started to shift.
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Episode 84
Macular degeneration was no stranger to Valerie, her mom had the condition. Early into her own diagnosis of AMD, treatments worked well and her vision remained stable. Over time, however, she noticed more significant changes, which became increasingly challenging both emotionally and physically. That's when she began to change her perspective, and that change made all the difference.
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Episode 83
Scott went to multiple specialists in search of a cure for his eye disease. He would often sit and just think about going blind. But one day a son's random comment took his mind off of everything and reconnected the family.
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Episode 82
When Elizabeth lost her vision in an auto accident, she went into survival mode. As she began to rebuild her life, she found certain connections and activities helped her focus less on her limitations and more on a renewed sense of purpose.
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Episode 81
When Eddie lost a fair amount of vision, she was scared and didn’t know how she was going to cope. But she found a source of strength and inspiration.
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Episode 80
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
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Episode 79
When Carol Lee was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, she was angry and frustrated. Over time, resentment began to fade a bit and the shock wore off. Gradually, her perspective started to shift.
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Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
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Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
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Episode 76
Nikki has lost her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease. While she appreciates positive bits of advice and encouragement, she also stays grounded in the struggles she's facing and knows others do, too. She's feeling the loss.
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Episode 75
When a favorite hobby became more difficult for Dianne due to glaucoma, she learned to tap into something else. It turned out to be the ideal thing.
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Episode 74
Peter's sight slowly but steadily worsened over the course of several years. When he had to give up driving, his self-image took a hit. Working through his emotions has helped him cope and adjust.