The Reality Of Independence

For most people, going to the corner store is as simple as getting in to the family car and taking a short trip to get what you need. However, for many it’s not that simple. Whether a person is born with a disability, became disabled from an illness or an unexpected accident or by getting older, independence can be taken away in an instant.

For me, I thought my independence ended in 1984. Sometime during 1976, I noticed my vision started to change. I had difficulty seeing at night-time and my peripheral vision began to narrow. I went to a number of specialists and was told I had everything from cancer of the eye to a simple virus. Finally, in 1978 I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and Macular Degeneration. The fact that one day I would become totally blind did not deter me from maintaining most of my independence. I was registered legally blind but continued to drive until I was involved in an accident and that was the day I decided my driving days were over.

From 1984 to 1989, maintaining my independence was very difficult. I had to rely on family and friends when I needed to go anywhere. I hated (and still do) asking people for their help. So, my only solution was to either ride public transit or take the shoe leather express. It was in the fall of 1990 when my independence took an about face. After waiting patiently for almost a year, I was finally introduced to my first guide dog “Paser”. For over ten years he was not only my eyes, he was my faithful companion and life saver. No longer did I feel the need to have to rely on family and friends for taking me places. I would simply put Paser’s harness on and away we went. With the help of Paser and now my new guide dog “Cosmo”, I have seen life in a different perspective. Nothing stands in my way of accomplishing my hopes and dreams. I have been very fortunate to have a supportive circle of family and friends and I have been blessed with a wife and soul-mate that has the same passion as I do about many important issues in our society.

Through all of this, I have learned many valuable lessons. But there is one that is always on my mind and that is; no matter what we face in our life, we cannot change the past. Cherish the special moments you may have in your life and look for ways how you CAN do things rather than why you Can’t do things. Try to find ways to maintain what little independence you may have. Don’t miss out on the important things in life because of your lack of independence.

You are in control of your own destiny !