"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 12
Hear how Axel set one goal at a time and slowly took the steps to rebuild his skills, reengage in his art, and reestablish his emotional well being.
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Episode 11
Gregory shares how finding a mentor made all the difference in the world to him, and his entire family.
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Episode 10
Listen in as we hear from Sarah. For her, hearing a blind architect's story changed her perspective on what was possible.
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Episode 9
Listen in as Tom shares how leaning on his faith helps him adjust to vision loss.
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Episode 8
Pat shares with us the choices she made when faced with a visual impairment.
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Episode 7
Darryl shares with us how a referral to a low vision specialist was where his life with vision loss began to turn around.
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Episode 6
Annie shares with us the steps she took to work through her depression by seeking help from a mental health professional.
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Episode 5
Sharon shares with us how she worked through the isolation and found people just like her to get the support she needed.
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Episode 4
Hannah shares with us how she had to give herself permission to grieve her vision loss in order to reach acceptance.
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Episode 3
Randy's search for help led him into a whole new way of thinking.
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Episode 2
Ruth shares how her mother's advice, "Knock the T Off Can't," helped her.
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Episode 1
Larry shares how he found strength in his core beliefs to get him through the shock of his initial diagnosis.