"I felt sorry for myself"
Anne's declining vision had her feeling down and sorry for herself. But two gifts—one she gave and one she received—helped turn things around for her.
Hadley
I felt sorry for myself
Anne: I can tell you this, I felt sorry for myself at one point in time but, my guide dog has given me a new outlook on life.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Anne: Hi, my name is Anne Buckley and I'm new to Hadley. And I was inspired by the stories that I heard today in the podcast. And I live in South Florida. So, I started losing my sight in my late 40s and, it's due to Macular Telangiectasia type two, which affects both eyes. And I find that I have about 9% vision loss.
So I guess the best way to describe it, my vision loss is, is if someone that had sight was to stand over a steaming pot, and they had that blurriness. That's about what vision I have. But the good news for me is two years ago, I was gifted a guide dog and he is my soul companion.
And because I live alone. But I do have two children. Well, they're grown men. But, my guide dog is my savior. And living with this guide dog has given me a new outlook on life.
I can tell you this, I felt sorry for myself at one point in time and, I had this theory. Last year for Christmas, I bought my granddaughter a calligraphy set. And when I find that, using that option of putting the pen to the paper, it's sort of like a ballerina. When I danced, I found that I always had two feet.
But when I put pen to ink on the paper, you know, when it's write as it flows, it's sort of like walking with my dog. He does my vision, but I know I use my ears to hear. So, with the pen on the paper using this calligraphy option that I have, it just I know when my writing is correct.
So that's how I fill my days with creative writing and the flow of the ink to the pen. And I quit feeling sorry for myself through this vision loss. And I am thankful for Hadley because through that, the talking books that I get and walking with my dog, I'm just a joyful person.
Have a great safe day.
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 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"
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Episode 48
When Carmel heard a Hadley podcast, it helped her understand what had been happening to her along with her vision loss—something she had nicknamed her "phantom vision."
Carmel mentions an episode of our sister podcast, Hadley Presents. Here's a link to that episode on Vision Loss and Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
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Episode 47
It was tough for Linda to give up driving and she was heartbroken when reading became difficult. She felt her world was shrinking. But then she asked for help.
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Episode 46
Ashia felt all alone in her vision loss. No one around her knew what she was going through. Then she found something that gave her hope.
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Episode 45
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
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Episode 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
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Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
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Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
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Episode 41
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.
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Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
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Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
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Episode 38
Denise can struggle with the slow but continuous loss of vision she's facing. But she's found a way to pick herself up on a bad day.