"They're very comforting"
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
Hadley
They’re very comforting
Presented by Douglas Walker
Albert: I have to plan my day a little more than the average person. You know, in the past, it was, jump in the car, run to the store, get a quart of milk. I can't do that as easily.
Douglas: Hello, and welcome to Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites podcast, where people facing vision loss share insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.
Albert: My name is Albert Papazoni. I live in Houston, Texas, and I'm, 63 years old.
When I got into my early 50s, I started noticing my vision decreasing very rapidly. And what I found is that I had a genetic issue that skipped a generation.
So today, I would say I have maybe 10% vision, depending on the lighting and stress level, of course you wouldn't believe it, but that does have a huge impact.
I can't read hardcopy paper any longer. And, probably the biggest one is I have to plan my day a little more than the average person. You know, in the past, it was, jump in the car, run to the store, get a quart of milk. I can't do that as easily.
I went to the Humane Society. I ended up getting two cats and they lay in my lap. They come in the door. They follow me to my chair. And animals are so smart.
I sit in my chair and they both want to pop up there and sit on my lap. and, that's very comforting.
So I found a lot of comfort in my cats, and maybe they know I saved them. Maybe there's a little bit of that, too. I don't know, but they're certainly help me.
Douglas: Is there an insight you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. 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 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
-
Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
-
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.
-
Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
-
Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
-
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.
-
Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
-
Episode 36
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.
-
Episode 35
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.
-
Episode 34
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.
-
Episode 33
This week, William shares how learning to continue with his favorite hobby, even with vision loss, has been therapeutic—and uplifting. Here's the link to his website https://www.blindtruths.org/
-
Episode 32
This week Angela shares how she struggled to get around due to vision loss, how she tried to hide it from others, and what helped her.