"I really got into the things I could still do"
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.
Hadley
I really got into the things I could still do
Charles: I needed to learn the things around myself a little bit better to be able to navigate, when inevitably, my vision got to the point where I couldn't really function the same way.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Charles: Hi, my name is Charles Cowart and I'm from Albany, Georgia. The thing that actually made me want to share my story was actually listening to all of these stories, and seeing so many similarities and some of the ups and downs and the feeling that I felt when going through the entire process of losing my vision.
I suffer from diabetic retinopathy, and I found out about it in 2019, and I remember finding out about the whole situation and being so distraught because, I’m a person that is full of life.
How I understood at that point that I needed to learn the things around myself a little bit better to be able to navigate, when inevitably, my vision got to the point where I couldn't really function the same way. Because I was always a homebody anyway, so it was not that big of a drastic change for me to be kind of stuck in, in the cocoon of my own house.
But I loved the thing that I loved. I loved writing, and I loved playing video games and watching TV and cooking. And when all of that happened, I really got into the things that I could still do. So even now, I'm really, really into plug ins. So that's my number one joy, is getting new plug ins, smelling new plug ins, and, finding smells that I've never smelt before because it's something that I don't have to worry about my vision kind of obstructing me from being able to do.
And even now, trying to get to the point where I can share my love or plug ins with the world. And it's a new found passion of mine to get into smells
and things that make, being visually impaired not as I guess, drab.
But, Hadley has really, really helped me kind of feel like I have a community of some sort where I just listen to all of everybody's stories and this is absolutely wonderful. And I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for even deciding to do this, because this is something that I thoroughly enjoy.
Every time I get a notification about somebody, they're sharing one of their testimonies.
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 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.
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Episode 73
Sherry's vision loss has been gradual yet relentless. Asking for help to do things she used to be able to do on her own is a challenge for her, as it is for many. But she's finding some new tools and new ways to do things.
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Episode 72
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
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Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
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Episode 70
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.
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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.