"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 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 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.
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Episode 57
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
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Episode 56
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
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Episode 55
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.