[Nfbk] Much work to be done

[April Brown]

Hi Melanie,

     Much work needs to be done.  
      I have a very dear friend who at 90+ is healthier than I have ever
been.  One day soon after learning of my diagnosis, she came to visit.  She
made a comment about a person walking alone with a white cane, and no one
around to help them in downtown.  Her words were approximately "Where no one
would expect a blind person to be by themselves."

    I dread Tuesday, as they will heavily dilate my eye for a test.  Last
two times that was done, I was told the effects would last about six hours.
Try two weeks of headaches, nausea, and inability to focus on even anything.
Even the giant freezer was moving!  I wouldn't do it for just a check up.
They are doing two tests this time to try to find a diagnosis.  And the
original specialist acted as if that was normal and acceptable.  No.

    I feel as if since my diagnosis of legally blind, to many people I exist
even less.  They feel sorry for me, and want nothing to do with me. 

       I feel the state services think it's okay for me to sit and twiddle
my thumbs for months, or years, waiting on the training that could make a
difference in my life today, and keep me more able bodied over the long
term.  Wait too long, and I may lose too much.  Keeping a person functioning
should be a top priority.  Not procrastinating in the name of patience.  

     They may never find the reason I lost my vision.  However, basic
mobility and technology training would help me meet my dreams of being a
published author, living as full a life as possible.

      I also, often wonder how many people are vision field blind and never
know it?  If I weren't a reader, would I have realized my vision had
declined?  When I see all the tailgaters in our city, I wonder how many of
them realize they are driving illegally close to cars in front of them?  Are
they doing because they want to, or because they can't see?  Are people
afraid to admit to a problem because they know they won't get help unless
someone else says they have a problem first?

Time to get off here, I'm getting dizzy.

April Brown

Writing dramatic adventure novels uncovering the myths we hide behind.