[Blindtlk] blindtlk Digest, Vol 86, Issue 17

[Ericka J. Short]

Arielle--

Congratulations!  Your wedding sounds lovely and I don’t see anything wrong 
with decorating your cane.  It's a part of you and you are in a lovely gown 
so why not?  I've heard of  people putting wedding outfits on their guide 
dog for the special day.  Why not?  (smile) Perhaps[as it's the woman in me 
who  things this is great.

Like many I was married in a church.  I had stairs to walk down when we 
walked outside the church.  I can't recall, but we either held hands or I 
used sighted guide then.  I walked with my dad down the aisle and  back with 
my husband.  I didn't use a cane at all that day, but then I was just barely 
legally blind.  Not that canes aren't cool, I just didn't need it.  If we 
renewed our vows, I'd carry a decorated cane, especially if underneath looks 
as beat up as mine does. I’m still a high partial, but it's great to not 
have to ask for help.  I have a sighted hubby and he doesn't care about the 
cane.  A friend of mine had her guide dog in the wedding and her totally 
blind husband carried his cane.  I think a friend walked her down the aisle 
with her dog.  I have to ask her, but I think the dog had a bouquet in her 
mouth!  That was 13 years ago.  I don't remember!

I wish you a long, happy and successful partnership.  Marriage isn't easy, 
but it's a great journey!

Ericka Short