"I've gotten to know myself better"
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.
Hadley
“I’ve gotten to know myself better”
Elizabeth: I lost my vision immediately in an auto accident and I just went into survival mode. That’s been challenging.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Elizabeth: Hello, my name is Elizabeth. I'm calling from New Haven, Connecticut.
I was told to check out these Sound Bites and I kept putting it off thinking that it would actually make me feel discouraged a little bit, reminding me of my limitations. But I decided while I was exercising to listen to 'em and I couldn't stop. I was so encouraged. Just the fact that there's a community like me.
I lost my vision immediately in an auto accident and I just went into survival mode when I got out of a coma.
But now that things are calming down. I'm trying to find my purpose in life and also establish friendships with people that I can trust. That's been challenging.
As I listen to these sound bites, I'm reminded of some of the challenges, but then some of the blessings. I feel like I, I've gotten to know myself better. I joke often is I feel like the sighted people are the ones without the sight, and my friends often think that I have sight. They keep forgetting I don't.
It's been definitely challenging using a cane. You can't always depend on everyone being available, going in the same direction as you. And then finding that time to be able to pay it forward to others, and I think that's been the biggest reward is making friendships.
I've been learning the technology. I have learned my Apple iPad, iPhone, and then been able to share that same understanding with others just like me. And that has helped me tremendously to be able to give back. And it takes my attention away from all the other things. I'm reminded of my limitations, but I thank you so much for the sound bites. It really is encouraging. It helps just to know that I'm not alone and that there are many others that are developing these tools just like me. Thank you. Have a great day.
Marc: If this story helped you, consider a Giving Tuesday gift to Hadley so someone else can find the same support. Visit hadleyhelps.org/GivingTuesday or call us at 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
-
Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Episode 72
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
-
Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
-
Episode 70
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.