"I haven't given up"

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].