"I really got into the things I could still do"
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles' 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 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.
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Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
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Episode 36
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.