"It's humbling, but I'm willing to try."
When Nancy's vision deteriorated to the point that it was challenging to navigate streets of a neighborhood she walked for decades, it was humbling. But a friend's comment surprised and inspired her. Her perspective started to shift.
Hadley
“It’s humbling, but I’m willing to try”
Nancy: These are streets that I've walked for over 30 years, and now I can't find my way around. And then I come home a little shaken, like, oh my goodness, my confidence is all down.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Nancy: My name is Nancy Kranjac. I live in New Jersey and I'm currently 60 years old, but I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. It was hard news. It was hard news. I had lost a lot of vision already. There are so many challenges because I get lost sometimes and I get frustrated. And I said, wait a minute, how do I actually get out of this situation?
And it's humbling. These are streets that I've walked for over 30 years, and I walked them fairly, and now I can't find my way around or see where my driveway is, and I have to struggle to find my driveway or my doorstep. And then I come home a little shaken, like, oh my goodness, my confidence is all down.
And I came inside one day and my friend called me. She said, you know, you are so brave. You're so courageous. I said, really? Why? Why would you say that? She said, you are brave and courageous just to step foot outside and do this. I said, you know, you're right, I am brave, I am courageous, I should be out there proud of myself in the sense that I am willing to put myself out there and try something really hard, when it's so easy to just crumple up and not do anything about it.
So it changed my perspective in the sense that at first I was crumbling and I found the challenge to be overwhelming. And now I'm willing to try. And if I fail, I think about it and like, well, this is not for the light of heart.
It's really hard to do. If I can't do it first turn around, we'll figure it out. I'll figure it out. Somehow, I'll get home. And when I do, I feel brave, I feel courageous, and now it's just changing my perspective on how to attempt the same things. It's giving me motivation.
Marc: Insights and Sounds Bites is brought to you by listeners like you. Who believe no one should have to face vision loss alone. Consider making a year-end gift to support this show and all of Hadley’s free resources. Visit HadleyHelps.org/Give or call 1-800-323-4238.
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 84
Macular degeneration was no stranger to Valerie, her mom had the condition. Early into her own diagnosis of AMD, treatments worked well and her vision remained stable. Over time, however, she noticed more significant changes, which became increasingly challenging both emotionally and physically. That's when she began to change her perspective, and that change made all the difference.
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Episode 83
Scott went to multiple specialists in search of a cure for his eye disease. He would often sit and just think about going blind. But one day a son's random comment took his mind off of everything and reconnected the family.
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Episode 82
When Elizabeth lost her vision in an auto accident, she went into survival mode. As she began to rebuild her life, she found certain connections and activities helped her focus less on her limitations and more on a renewed sense of purpose.
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Episode 81
When Eddie lost a fair amount of vision, she was scared and didn’t know how she was going to cope. But she found a source of strength and inspiration.
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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.