[Blindtlk] To Drive or not to Drive: that is the question

[Darian Smith]

I think  that I  identify with Mary quite a bit  (with the exception
of having a family, something that factors into  the whole thing).
 I think that the idea of the car brings into questionwhat we've
always  understood as independence, further, what we  find as "true
independence". do we not have that  true independence because  we
can't drive?  or is  it a different type of  independence  than we are
 probably thinking of.
  For sure, who would have really  thought we would see a blind person
drive, how exciting is it, I mean, we all know  it is... but   at the
same time, does  this throw our   long-understood and believed image
of independence into a little bit of question and consideration?
 I don't know if yes or no, but  I thought it would be something
pretty interesting to  ponder and throw around with all of you here.

On 4/29/11, Mari Hunziker <marihunziker at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have been legally blind my entire life. As a teenager and as a young adult
> driving really wasn't that big of a deal to me, mostly because I lived in a
> town that provided great public transportation service. And when I needed to
> go places I seemed to have the gumption to get there on my own or with
> friends. Now as a mom, I would love the opportunity to be able to drive. I
> would love to be able to have the independence to get in my own care and go
> where I needed when I needed. It is difficult to have to ask for rides to
> the grocery store, the mall, the park, etc. I do have a very full life and
> seem to always have a special guardian angel that is more than willing to
> take me and my kids to where we need to go. For example, My daughter is 3
> years old. We found a great friend in her dance class that was so eager and
> happy to take us to and from dance class. It was nice. However, I would love
> to drive. I think it is a very empowering feeling that provides total
> independence.  But whether I drive or not I do feel fulfilled as an
> individual. My life is full and would just be busy with driving my kids and
> their friends to and from places, like the typical soccer mom. I think that
> would be great.
> Mari Hunziker
>
> On Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 12:30 PM, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I have heard from many, blind and sighted alike that the blind  being
>> able to drive will be  looked  upon as  something  absolutely iconic
>> and life-changing.  Assuming  that this opinion is in fact widely
>> believed,  what do you think this means for us as blind people now?
>> Also what does it mean, if we never do  drive? Is this to say that our
>> lives  are not full?  Not complete?  And will never be?
>>  I'm curious as to your thoughts  on this.
>>
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>
>
>
> --
> *Have A Blessed Day!
> Mari Hunziker
> 512-670-9950 home
> 512-587-1463  cell
> *
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-- 
Darian Smith
Skype: The_Blind_Truth
Windows Live: Lightningrod2010 at live.com
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/goldengateace

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose.

— Robert Byrne