Miriam Huff is a survivor. Despite facing numerous obstacles including a childhood spent in foster care, two kidney transplants, divorce, and vision loss, she remains strong, optimistic, and independent.
Born with poor vision, Miriam managed with only a narrow tunnel of sight until she was in her mid-40s. When this began to fade about five years ago, she visited the retina specialist who confirmed that she would eventually lose all her vision. However, this happened much faster than expected. Soon, she was completely blind.
However, Miriam is determined to retain her independence. Living alone in her home near Toledo, OH, she shares, "I don't want my kids to feel like they have to take care of me. I want them to be able to live their own lives."
One of Miriam's first goals was to learn braille. She loved reading to her four children when they were young and wanted to be able to do so with her grandson. In 2018 she began studying braille through Hadley and found, "Braille has given me back that fun. And, as I worked through the courses, I learned how I could also use braille in real life." For example, Miriam uses braille to label spices and pantry items for meal preparation. It has also been helpful for organizing craft supplies for the seasonal ribbon wreaths she makes and sells.
Miriam has a supportive circle of family and friends but did not know anyone else who is visually impaired. Through the Hadley discussion groups, such as Embracing Braille, Writers' Circle, and What's Cooking, she has been able to connect with others and share experiences and information. She is also active in Hadley's Facebook groups and braille pen pal program.
Among Miriam's favorite Hadley workshops is the Games series. "I always loved board and card games, and played many with my children as they grew," she recalls. By learning how to adapt these games she can continue to play with her family and friends. Miriam has also taken workshops on topics including container gardening, birdsongs, sewing, clothing, and organizing the home. In addition, she recently began Hadley's new Starting a Business series.
Miriam has been legally blind her entire life but explains that she did not take part in other organizations before Hadley because, "I felt like their focus was on making the world adapt to them and I feel like I should adapt to the world. Hadley is allowing me to do that." Miriam also believes Hadley is unique because "other organizations treat you like you are different, but at Hadley you are treated as a normal person, like you are just as valuable as anyone else."
Hadley learning experts are key to this. She appreciates that they are "so helpful and go the extra mile." Miriam expresses her gratitude to them and others across the Hadley community, "Thank you. Now, I don't need to feel sad that my vision is gone. You have given me the extra step to independence and given me back what I lost."