"I haven't given up"
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
Hadley
I haven’t given up
Shannon: I had to experience darkness. But when I started bumping into things and leaving knots on my head and sores, that inspired me to do better.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Shannon: My name is Shannon Wood. I live in Memphis, Tennessee. My story starts in 2015 when I lost my eyesight completely at one time.
When he shined the light in my eye when he dilated them, that my retinas were torn too bad. And so, I asked the doctor, I said, does this mean that I'll be blind the rest of my life? And he said yes pretty much.
And so, I was heartbroken over it.
I had to experience darkness. I was first led around by other people, and, ended up getting a cane.
But when I started bumping into things and leaving knots on my head and sores on my shins and stuff, where I bump into the mop bucket. That inspired me to do better. Number one, not walking so fast and I had to walk slow and make sure I go around an object when I had my cane with me.
I had to rely on my hearing. And when I rely on my hearing, I hear the wall. I can hear somebody walk by me. I can hear cars coming. I can hear if I'm close to a car. If it's parked, traffic it everything has a different sound.
I end up having to be inspired by trying to challenge myself to look forward to new things like, that's why I decided to read braille for. Because I want to sing in the church. And so, I decided to read braille.
But me giving up. No, I haven't give up. My story's unique, but I appreciate you letting me talk and everything.
Marc: Insights & Sound Bites is made possible by Hadley’s donors. Who understand that hearing some else’s story, can truly make a difference.
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 69
Jack's vision has been declining for years. The hardest part for him is that it just keeps changing, so he needs to keep adapting. A routine Jack's wife put in place for the couple has helped him cope and adjust.
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Episode 68
Losing a fair amount of her vision brought with it a series of other losses for Dia. She began to feel depressed and very fearful. However, she gradually started giving herself pep talks and reconnecting with the things that bring her joy.
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Episode 67
Julia had always lived life on her own terms. So, when vision loss meant giving up her car keys, she used a white cane or her husband's arm to guide her steps, and kept going. Still, she noticed a change in how others treated her… until she made a decision she now calls, "the best thing I ever did."
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Episode 66
When the scenario Leighann had feared for years finally happened and glaucoma took much of her vision, it hit her hard. But her desire to keep living meant challenging herself—even when it scared her.
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Episode 65
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.
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Episode 64
Tamisue's eyesight has diminished to the point where she feels stuck between two worlds—not enough vision to function as she once did, but not fully blind. She fears her world going completely dark. However, an addition to her life has made a tremendous difference for both her and her family.
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Episode 63
The loss Tom feels regarding his vision is complicated because it is ongoing. Acceptance has not come easy. Through the years, though, he has come to approach life a bit differently.
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Episode 62
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.
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Episode 61
Glaucoma advanced to the point where Ron found it too difficult to do the volunteer work he loved in retirement. Still, he found a way to pull himself out of the hole he felt he was in and continue to give back.
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Episode 60
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles's vision. To cope, he is learning new approaches to life AND leaning into areas of passion that don't rely on sight.
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Episode 59
Bruce's vision had been decreasing for years. When it reached the point where he was tripping over objects and bumping into people, he felt embarrassed and kept his vision loss a secret. His wife convinced him to try something new.
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Episode 58
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.