"I can make something out of what I have left"
Michael's vision loss led him down a long, uncomfortable road, discovering what he had to let go of and what he could still hold on to for his future. He continues to challenge himself to try new things.
Hadley
I can make something out of what I have left
Michael: My journey began into trying to recover what was left and find out what still in front of me.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Michael: My name is Michael Stinger and I'm from Wichita, Kansas. I had a unknown heart problem, which caused me to have a very minor stroke, and, I just ignored it. I didn't think anything was going on really. It just, you know, pretty minor. And I didn't know that's what it was.
Go forward about 8 or 9 months, and I had a second stroke, and this one was pretty good. It, took out, a good portion of the vision in my left side, as well as a few other things like taste and smell are not working correctly. And I was diagnosed with a heart problem. So, at the time, I was a patrol sergeant for a police department.
And due to my vision loss, they kept me on for eight months trying to burn vacation and see if I could get better. And turns out at the 20-year mark, right at, I had to retire, because of my vision problems.
So, my journey began into trying to recover what was left and find out what still in front of me.
Luckily, I still had, resources. I'm currently labeled as a disabled veteran at the VA, and it took me about four years to get to the point where I actually asked them for help. Where they sent me to one of the rehab centers for low vision and got me some of the tools that I needed to get around, including a long cane and the support cane.
And it's been a long road and it's been uncomfortable, and I can't drive. And so, like most of you, I experienced transportation issues and whatnot. However, I do have friends who get out and do a lot of fishing, so I'm challenging myself. I've been challenging myself for the last few years to go fishing with them and learn how to tie these knots, mostly by memory and somewhat by vision with the tools that I have.
And I have found a lot of success for that endeavor. I actually won a national fishing tournament. And that was a major achievement, a bucket list, if you will. And that pushed me to the point where I'm not going to let anything stop me. I realized I can make something out of, what I have left.
So, I would say that I'm kind of a success story, but I haven't reached the success part yet. But I'm getting there, and I don't know when that will be, but I hope this encourages you guys. And thank you very much.
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
-
Episode 100
As Patricia's vision changed, doing things on her own became harder, and at times she felt like no one really understood. Connecting with others going through many of the same things helped her feel less alone and more like herself again.
-
Episode 99
Rebecca was used to handling things on her own, but vision loss brought anger, frustration, and challenges she hadn't expected. Over time, she found a different way forward, making room for the hard days, accepting help, and finding people who understood.
-
Episode 98
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.
-
Episode 97
Vision loss doesn't always happen all at once. For Kara, it keeps changing, which means she's constantly figuring out what she can and can't do. Hear how she's learning to adjust, deal with the frustrations, and take each day as it comes.
-
Episode 96
For Carolyn, connecting with people has always come naturally. When vision loss made it harder to recognize faces, she worried about missing those everyday connections. Hear how speaking up about her vision helped others understand what she needed.
-
Episode 95
A close call on a walk changed the way Lance thinks about living with vision loss. It reminded him to stay open, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
-
Episode 94
For Dottie, losing her vision meant giving up many things, and there was one farewell that hit especially hard. But after making a difficult choice to let go of something she loved, Dottie found a new perspective on what she had lost—and gained.
-
Episode 93
Linda always imagined retirement would mean doing the volunteer work she loved, but after losing her eyesight, she thought that chapter of her life was over. Then one memorable hospital visit reminded her she still had exactly what people needed.
-
Episode 92
As Mary's vision worsened, the life she'd always known began slipping out of reach. She wasn't sure where to turn or what might help. But a chance meeting changed things for her in ways she now hopes to pass on.
-
Episode 91
When Susan began losing vision, she grew fearful about the future. But she found a source of hope and courage.
-
Episode 90
Early in her journey with vision loss, Char was bitter and angry at the world. But one day, a heartfelt conversation helped her turn a corner and, as she put it, "look at vision loss through different eyes."
-
Episode 89
The impact vision loss had on Todd's life was profound. Through cycles of anger and depression, he often took it out on those who cared most about him. Then he started channeling those emotions into a new activity, and that made all the difference for him and his family.
Join the Hadley Community
Hadley's resources are always available to you. Create a no-cost Hadley account to go further:
-
Pick up where you left off Everything you start is automatically saved across Hadley.
-
Personalized recommendations We'll suggest resources based on your interests.
-
Join live discussions Live and lively discussions on technology, cooking, and more, all geared toward the community of people living with vision loss.
-
Find peer support Connect with people who understand what you're going through.