[Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

[Cindy Ray]

Wow, Tom, congratulations. It is so thrilling to hear that the new cane,
which is a good length for you, has changed your life. Happy trails as you
travel independently more and more.

Cindy


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cramer
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 10:41 AM
To: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: [Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

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!

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