"I've lost...but I've gained"
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.
Hadley
I’ve lost…but I’ve gained
Deb Reed: I consider myself an introvert. And I never ever expected myself to be in this position.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Deb Reed: This is Deborah Reed. My friends call me Deb, and I'm from Bristol, Connecticut.
I cried on the way home from the doctor's office. I had driven myself there, so I had to get myself back. And I cried because I had a job that was almost like a ministry. I was a homemaker companion for disabled seniors. And so, my car was key to the work I did. I was taking them to appointments, taking them shopping, cleaning, cooking for them. And you become like family with people like that. And that was something I had to give up. I definitely wasn't in it for the money. But yeah, I was very sad to have to close that chapter.
My husband was still working at the time and I thought, how am I going to get anywhere? And so, I found out from the state that there's a paratransit service in our town because we have the public bus route. And when I called that number, the woman who answered, who helped with the certification, was actually, recently in a motorcycle accident with her husband, about a year before. And they were both injured pretty bad. They were broadsided by a truck. And he lost his sight was one of the results. And so, she had been through all the things that she knew I was going to have to go through, and it was just an amazing wealth of information that she was able to share with me. And then she told me about a National Federation of the Blind support group that met at the library. And so, I started to go to that.
But I will say that here we are over 10 years later, and I am now heading up this chapter meeting that I attended at the beginning of the journey. And I consider myself an introvert, and I never, ever expected to be in this position. And I've learned so much and grown so much just by belonging to this organization. So even though I have so many losses because of my vision deteriorating, I've gained a lot.
Marc: 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 82
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
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Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.