"It's a work in progress"
Cheri'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.
Hadley
It’s a work in progress
Cheri: It's really hard when you've always been able to do stuff yourself to turn around and go, hey, can you give me a ride? Or can you help me shop but it's a work in progress.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Cheri: Hi, my name is Cheri Brockway. I live in Kentucky, by the way. And it's been a journey, but I lost my sight to R.P. and so it was gradual. So, I really tried to be and take care of everything in that I could. And so, I feel blessed that I have those memories because I have, total loss now.
But you know what? I still function. I still try to do as much as I can on my own. I think one of the hardest parts of not being able to see is asking for help. It's really hard when you've always been able to do stuff yourself to turn around and go, hey, can you give me a ride?
Or can you help me shop or something? But, it's a work in progress and I don't know, I guess it's just a guilt of taking up somebody's time, but I'm trying to get over that. And I do have people who help me. But it is difficult sometimes. I've had guide dogs, love them all. I use a cane and there's a lot of things out there that make it easier for us that can’t see.
And I heard about the meta glasses, and I really would like to try them, though I hear they're kind of expensive.
But I just wanted to say thank you to Hadley because I thought I was too old to learn braille. I'm going to be 65 and that's for young people. But by golly, I'm really enjoying it. And I thank Hadley, for letting me take my dear, sweet time because it's taken me a minute, but hopefully I’ll get it.
And it's kind of fun. I actually had a mobility trainer talk me into trying it and I like it, so never think you're too old. I hope everybody enjoys their summer. And I thank you for letting me talk. Have a great day.
Marc: Insights & Sound Bites has made possible by Hadley’s donors. Who understand that hearing someone 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].
All Episodes
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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.
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Episode 35
For many, having to give up the car keys due to vision loss is traumatic. Deb felt it too. Then, during a call to arrange transportation for herself, a new door opened.
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Episode 34
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.
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Episode 33
This week, William shares how learning to continue with his favorite hobby, even with vision loss, has been therapeutic—and uplifting. Here's the link to his website https://www.blindtruths.org/
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Episode 32
This week Angela shares how she struggled to get around due to vision loss, how she tried to hide it from others, and what helped her.
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Episode 31
This week we hear from Appreciate. She found that a Facebook group, The International Blind Cafe, gave her a source of comfort and encouragement.
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Episode 30
Marian's inner voice had her living in fear. Listen in as she shares how she redirected that voice to be more helpful for her.
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Episode 29
This week Dorrie shares how technology has made all the difference for her in living with vision loss.
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Episode 28
Today we hear from Ed who shares how the source of hope for him has changed with time.
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Episode 27
Listen in as Cindy shares how advice from her son helped her adjust to her new normal.
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Episode 26
Listen in as Tim recalls a conversation with a store clerk and how it helped him adjust to life with vision loss.
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Episode 25
Listen in as Alice shares a boyfriend's advice from many years ago. Words that give her hope, even today.