Conquering the Cane

It's one thing to be blind. It's another to look blind.

Let me explain. We all have things we're embarrassed about or ashamed of, but imagine if that was what you had to use to introduce yourself. The first thing anyone noticed about you. Having a cane feels like wearing a T-Shirt that says "I'm blind and I can't get places on my own. Please help me because I'm not an independent person!"

I want to be independent. I want to look independent. Having a cane makes me have to face the reality that yes, I do need help sometimes. It's hard for me to ask for help because, quite honestly, I'm embarrassed.

With the cane, I actually need less help than I would without it. I don't trip as much because the cane is "looking" down for me, so I can use the vision I have to scan my upper surroundings and avoid bumping into people. Also, the cane alerts others that I probably can't see them, which is both embarrassing and helpful. If I do bump into someone, they are much more forgiving if they have proof that I actually couldn't see them.

I'm about to start the school year at a new school, so I'll be in a new and unfamiliar environment almost every day. I will have to use my cane much more often than I'm used to, so I need to get comfortable with it now. My new school has a lot more services for the visually impaired than my previous school did, so I will be able to learn a lot of ways to be independent as I'm losing my vision.

Has anyone else in the low vision community dealt with this feeling about the cane? No matter what you're going through, you're never the only one!

Until next time,

Semper Fidelis

Obsessions and a One-Year Anniversary

It has been exactly one year since I started this blog. In honor of that, I think it's time to introduce you to two of my latest obsessions: Sherlock and Doctor Who.

But before I do that, I need to tell you something important. I'm a Christian. No, I don't hate you if you aren't. No, I'm not going to throw Bible verses at you and tell you how you're living your life wrong. But being a Christian is a huge reason why this blog is important to me. I will probably use Scripture from time to time to explain what I believe and why. Nonetheless, this is still just a blog about what it is to be a Chronically Unique Teen. However, if you have any questions about Christianity, I am happy to answer them.

 I'm sure you've heard of Sherlock Holmes: legendary fictional detective introduced to this world by the books of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There have been many movies, TV shows, and remakes over the ages, but the particular Sherlock I'm obsessing over is a newer show by BBC. Why the obsession? Because it's perfectly cast, masterfully written, and beautifully quirky. If you don't know who Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are, look them up now. If you start watching the show (which I highly recommend you do), start at the beginning. Let me know when you're hooked! :-)

I've been hearing about Doctor Who for a while, but I only recently started watching it. I keep asking myself why I didn't start watching it sooner because it is amazing! If you enjoy Sherlock, science fiction, and quirky humor, what are you waiting for? I still haven't figured out what the best starting point is. After skipping around a lot, I'm currently on Season 1 of the newer version of the show (there's also one from the 60's, but I haven't even found that yet). Long-time Doctor Who fans, where did you start?

Fandom people (and others who are interested in my blog), I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, and feel free to share!