[Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

[Tom Cramer]

Recently, I was interested in a discussion that was had here regarding
a brand of cane called a rainshine which was asked about.  Someone
also suggested the telescoping carbon fiber canes which I always use
but which I've been having problems with lately.  I went ahead and
reluctantly accepted one of those free NFB straight canes from a
friend.  I say reluctantly because I've always been self conscious
about using one of those that I can't just put away.  I figured they'd
be a lot of trouble.
I've also been someone who has done a lot of traveling with sighted
guide, but I had a telescoping cane break and another one make me feel
like it is going to break.

I was given an NFB long straight cane, and I was amazed at the
difference.  The person who gave it to me ordered it to where it came
up to my nose.  I walked around a little bit, and it felt different.
I didn't worry about it wanting to collapse or break.  I had a weird
feeling about it as well.  I actually felt more confident and
comfortable in using it.

I think my attitude about using the cane is changing in that I finally
feel that I want to be a more independent traveler.  It's hard when
I'm so used to wanting to go everywhere with someone sighted guide,
but I felt a new sense of confidence and freedom these past few days.
I was given mobility training in school but I just didn't apply it
outside of classes unless I had to.  And now that I feel safe and
confident, I kind of feel that I don't need to be going sighted guide
all the time.  This is going to be hard on my family because they're
not used to seeing me navigate like this when we're all together.

Anyway, thanks to that cane discussion I now have a new interest in my
own indepdent travel and want to work on it!