"I've gotten to know myself better"

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].