Insights & Sound Bites
Listen in as people facing vision loss share their insights about what has helped them cope and adjust. To listen to this show on the telephone, call (847) 558-1317. To share your insights, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites podcast voicemail by calling (847) 512-4867. Or, select the "submit your insights" button below to record right from this web page or use your smartphone or computer to record yourself and email it to podcast@HadleyHelps.org.
Episodes
"You don't know it all."
A close call on a walk changed the way Lance thinks about living with vision loss. It reminded him to stay open, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
"It was something I had to do"
For Dottie, losing her vision meant giving up many things, and there was one farewell that hit especially hard. But after making a difficult choice to let go of something she loved, Dottie found a new perspective on what she had lost—and gained.
"I still have value"
Linda always imagined retirement would mean doing the volunteer work she loved, but after losing her eyesight, she thought that chapter of her life was over. Then one memorable hospital visit reminded her she still had exactly what people needed.
"It's finding people that do understand"
As Mary's vision worsened, the life she'd always known began slipping out of reach. She wasn't sure where to turn or what might help. But a chance meeting changed things for her in ways she now hopes to pass on.
"I listen for the hope"
When Susan began losing vision, she grew fearful about the future. But she found a source of hope and courage.
"What can I do?"
Early in her journey with vision loss, Char was bitter and angry at the world. But one day, a heartfelt conversation helped her turn a corner and, as she put it, "look at vision loss through different eyes."
"It's something that carries me through the emotions when it's hard."
The impact vision loss had on Todd's life was profound. Through cycles of anger and depression, he often took it out on those who cared most about him. Then he started channeling those emotions into a new activity, and that made all the difference for him and his family.
"I had to deal with the reality of the situation"
When Pat was diagnosed with an inherited retinal disease, her doctor told her she wouldn't go completely blind, but her life would change forever. And while it's been a hard road, she's found some things along the way that help.
"People are accepting there"
Debbie has found a place near her that helps unleash her creative streak and her desire to give back to the community, a place where how much she can see doesn't matter.
"There's no way around it, just a way through it"
Doug was filled with uncertainty after realizing that the vision he lost was unlikely to be restored. His anxiety grew as the silver bullet he hoped for never materialized. But he did find things that helped him manage and continue to live his life with purpose.
"It's humbling, but I'm willing to try."
When Nancy's vision deteriorated to the point that it was challenging to navigate streets of a neighborhood she walked for decades, it was humbling. But a friend's comment surprised and inspired her. Her perspective started to shift.
"Unless you go through it yourself, you don't know."
Macular degeneration was no stranger to Valerie, her mom had the condition. Early into her own diagnosis of AMD, treatments worked well and her vision remained stable. Over time, however, she noticed more significant changes, which became increasingly challenging both emotionally and physically. That's when she began to change her perspective, and that change made all the difference.
"Sometimes you can't help but laugh"
Scott went to multiple specialists in search of a cure for his eye disease. He would often sit and just think about going blind. But one day a son's random comment took his mind off of everything and reconnected the family.
"I've gotten to know myself better"
When Elizabeth lost her vision in an auto accident, she went into survival mode. As she began to rebuild her life, she found certain connections and activities helped her focus less on her limitations and more on a renewed sense of purpose.
"I've got to live. I can't merely exist."
When Eddie lost a fair amount of vision, she was scared and didn’t know how she was going to cope. But she found a source of strength and inspiration.
"This can be a lonely business"
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
"None of us know our future"
When Carol Lee was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, she was angry and frustrated. Over time, resentment began to fade a bit and the shock wore off. Gradually, her perspective started to shift.
"I didn't have to figure it out on my own"
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
"I don't want to give up"
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
"Not butterflies and rainbows. This is hard stuff."
Nikki has lost her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease. While she appreciates positive bits of advice and encouragement, she also stays grounded in the struggles she's facing and knows others do, too. She's feeling the loss.
"You tap into other things when you lose some vision"
When a favorite hobby became more difficult for Dianne due to glaucoma, she learned to tap into something else. It turned out to be the ideal thing.
"I had a lot of anger ... and learned to let that go"
Peter's sight slowly but steadily worsened over the course of several years. When he had to give up driving, his self-image took a hit. Working through his emotions has helped him cope and adjust.
"It's a work in progress"
Sherry's vision loss has been gradual yet relentless. Asking for help to do things she used to be able to do on her own is a challenge for her, as it is for many. But she's finding some new tools and new ways to do things.
"I think I can"
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
"I haven't given up"
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
"Makes me feel less isolated"
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.
"I have to go on with my life"
Jack's vision has been declining for years. The hardest part for him is that it just keeps changing, so he needs to keep adapting. A routine Jack's wife put in place for the couple has helped him cope and adjust.
"Having the courage to keep moving"
Losing a fair amount of her vision brought with it a series of other losses for Dia. She began to feel depressed and very fearful. However, she gradually started giving herself pep talks and reconnecting with the things that bring her joy.
"The best thing I ever did"
Julia had always lived life on her own terms. So, when vision loss meant giving up her car keys, she used a white cane or her husband's arm to guide her steps, and kept going. Still, she noticed a change in how others treated her… until she made a decision she now calls, "the best thing I ever did."
"Doing things that scare me... because I want to live"
When the scenario Leighann had feared for years finally happened and glaucoma took much of her vision, it hit her hard. But her desire to keep living meant challenging herself—even when it scared her.
"I can make something out of what I have left"
Michael's vision loss led him down a long, uncomfortable road, discovering what he had to let go of and what he could still hold on to for his future. He continues to challenge himself to try new things.
"I'm not as scared"
Tamisue's eyesight has diminished to the point where she feels stuck between two worlds—not enough vision to function as she once did, but not fully blind. She fears her world going completely dark. However, an addition to her life has made a tremendous difference for both her and her family.
"The hardest thing was adjusting to the loss"
The loss Tom feels regarding his vision is complicated because it is ongoing. Acceptance has not come easy. Through the years, though, he has come to approach life a bit differently.
"I felt sorry for myself"
Anne's declining vision had her feeling down and sorry for herself. But two gifts—one she gave and one she received—helped turn things around for her.
"It gave me a sense of meaning"
Glaucoma advanced to the point where Ron found it too difficult to do the volunteer work he loved in retirement. Still, he found a way to pull himself out of the hole he felt he was in and continue to give back.
"I really got into the things I could still do"
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles's vision. To cope, he is learning new approaches to life AND leaning into areas of passion that don't rely on sight.
"I was given a ticket to travel without embarrassment"
Bruce's vision had been decreasing for years. When it reached the point where he was tripping over objects and bumping into people, he felt embarrassed and kept his vision loss a secret. His wife convinced him to try something new.
"You start doing what you can"
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.
"I get out there and I still do what I can"
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
"It's psychological, physical, mental, and spiritual"
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
"You don't have to see it to feel it"
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.
"They're very comforting"
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
"It's a part of me now"
Jayne can feel isolated living with her eye disease, spending much of her days forcing herself to focus on things that have become blurry. The stress can be overwhelming, causing her to shut down. But there's one area of life that now brings her more joy than ever before.
"It gave me hope that I could do this"
When Jeffry lost his sight, he felt a loss of control, a loss of dignity. Then, he began his long road to empowerment, one small goal at a time.
"My emotions were everywhere"
Marilyn went through bouts of anxiety and depression with her vision loss and still grieves the loss several years into her journey. She also decided to do something for herself which has helped tremendously.
"I have my bad days and my better days"
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
"I found some direction"
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"
"My phantom vision"
When Carmel heard a Hadley podcast, it helped her understand what had been happening to her along with her vision loss—something she had nicknamed her "phantom vision."Carmel mentions an episode of our sister podcast, Hadley Presents. Here's a link to that episode on Vision Loss and Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
"I love to cook and I'm not stopping"
It was tough for Linda to give up driving and she was heartbroken when reading became difficult. She felt her world was shrinking. But then she asked for help.
"I'm not alone"
Ashia felt all alone in her vision loss. No one around her knew what she was going through. Then she found something that gave her hope.
"I'm not excluded from life"
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
"Paying it forward"
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
"I stopped hiding it"
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
"These stories help tremendously"
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
"That really changed my life"
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.
"I lost my license and found acceptance"
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
"I found something to do"
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
"I pick myself up"
Denise can struggle with the slow but continuous loss of vision she's facing. But she's found a way to pick herself up on a bad day.
"I take it one day at a time"
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
"That really sustained me"
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.
"I've lost...but I've gained"
For many, having to give up the car keys due to vision loss is traumatic. Deb felt it too. Then, during a call to arrange transportation for herself, a new door opened.
"How would you help if it wasn't YOU?"
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.
"A hobby and so much more"
This week, William shares how learning to continue with his favorite hobby, even with vision loss, has been therapeutic—and uplifting. Here's the link to his website https://www.blindtruths.org/
"The secret was killing me"
This week Angela shares how she struggled to get around due to vision loss, how she tried to hide it from others, and what helped her.
"I found my community"
This week we hear from Appreciate. She found that a Facebook group, The International Blind Cafe, gave her a source of comfort and encouragement.
"Be careful what I tell myself"
Marian's inner voice had her living in fear. Listen in as she shares how she redirected that voice to be more helpful for her.
"The gift that keeps on giving"
This week Dorrie shares how technology has made all the difference for her in living with vision loss.
"Holding on to hope"
Today we hear from Ed who shares how the source of hope for him has changed with time.
"Don't let this steal your joy"
Listen in as Cindy shares how advice from her son helped her adjust to her new normal.
"I didn't have a choice"
Listen in as Tim recalls a conversation with a store clerk and how it helped him adjust to life with vision loss.
"It's not my whole life"
Listen in as Alice shares a boyfriend's advice from many years ago. Words that give her hope, even today.
"It's not often we encounter an angel"
Listen in as Bill shares how a chance encounter changed his perspective on vision loss.
"That was the turning point for me"
Listen in as Ruth shares how her frustration and impatience turned around with just one phone call.
"I wasn't living my truth"
Listen in as Sam shares how he struggled trying to hide his vision loss-and how he finally turned the corner.
"I keep trying"
Listen in as Eugenia describes how her own determination and the support of friends helped her keep moving forward.
"I found the support I needed"
Listen in as Zenobia shares how she found the support and strength she needed.
"From why me? To why NOT me?"
Listen in and be inspired as Saras explains how changing her perspective to, "Why NOT me?" helped her tap into her strengths.
"I'll do the best I can"
Sheri shares with us how the love for her horses helped her find purpose and peace.
"It's the best thing I ever did"
Kendra shares with us how a visit to a low vision center gave her more than she ever expected.
"It's okay to ask for help"
Listen to Carol's story as she shares how owning her changing vision gave her the drive to discover useful resources and realize that it's important—and okay—to ask for help when she needs it.
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