[Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

[Carly Mihalakis]

Good morning, Mark,
         Yeah. I was in the same boat, didn't see how a streight, 
NFB-style stick could possibly fit into my lifestyle. Yet, once you 
get used to it you figure out how to stowe it in the bend of your 
elbow when it's not being used or while you are seated. I won't use 
anything else and it baffles me how some blind people waist their 
money on those sup'd-up sticks! At 07:51 AM 10/27/2014, Cindy Ray via 
blindtlk wrote:
>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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