It’s loss of independence. It’s loss of sense of self. And yes, it can be loss of joy.
Forgive me. Here I go again, posting about this topic. But since October is Blindness Awareness Month, I had to write something. It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if you’ll look back at last year or the year before, you’ll see I wrote about that. I interviewed a local oncologist.
Vision loss has been the most challenging thing to happen to me, and please let me clarify I know things could be much, much worse. There are people paralyzed, blind and deaf, grieving the loss of a child or spouse, dealing with conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, cancer, and more.
So, as I often say, please understand I’m not complaining, I’m just explaining. And please understand that even though it is not as bad as many other conditions, it is a loss. It is a loss that has changed my life forever, and my life will never be the same, just like some of the situations and losses I’ve mentioned.
I’ve talked to countless people who have lost much of their vision as adults, and some are handling it better than others. All agree that frustration–sometimes daily–is a common emotion. Many go through bouts of depression with some still wallowing in it. Some do not have a support system of drivers and financial means to be able to do needed activities like buy groceries and go to doctor appointments, let alone do something as simple as go to have their hair cut.
There are several reasons I wrote the two books pictured. The first book was published in 2024, and it contains strategies, tips, resources, and technologies for the visually impaired community. The second one was published last month, and it deals with mindset, emotional and physical health, and yes, strategies and resources.
I am continuing to learn about all of these things, and there is no doubt they make life easier.
I guess the teacher in me will never go away, so as I’ve learned how to cope, I felt the need to share with others. Not only do I want to share with the VIP community seeking help, I want their support system to know about these things, and yes, I want the general population and especially optometrists and others in the field to learn.
It may surprise you to know the doctors don’t know what to tell you when you become legally blind. You are usually on your own.
That’s why I have a YouTube channel called Journey to Sight. That’s why I share those videos on Facebook Reels. I recently posted a reel that resonated with thousands–over 25,000 views and over 1,000 likes as well as 134 shares, not to mention the questions and comments from all over the world.
So, I’m asking for your help. Be a part of my community that shares information to help others. Share this blog, tell people about my books (on Amazon as ebooks and large-print paperbacks). Ask them to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. And if they tell you they can’t read my books because they can’t see to read them, I can tell them. how they can listen to the ebooks or even read the large print. Just comment below, and I’ll share that information. Or be on the lookout for an upcoming video about how to do just that.
I’m trying to make a positive difference, but I can’t do it alone. Blindness Awareness Month is for everyone, not just the visually impaired.
Thank you for reading this and for considering being a part of my online community!
