"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
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Episode 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"
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Episode 48
When Carmel heard a Hadley podcast, it helped her understand what had been happening to her along with her vision loss—something she had nicknamed her "phantom vision."
Carmel mentions an episode of our sister podcast, Hadley Presents. Here's a link to that episode on Vision Loss and Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
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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.