Wishes and Wonder

Since my last post I have been very busy getting ready for Christmas and other things. I know other people are busy this time of year too.

I had a great birthday and celebrated with family and friends on Sunday. On Monday, I enjoyed  another fun-filled evening with my best crew-the girls. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Rosa & Rocco's. The food was excellent and the company even better! I was also honored with many birthday wishes on Facebook!

Funny how we all showed up for dinner wearing black! Now...hold on...that does not mean I turned 50! I will admit, it is getting close. Sky diving at 50! Who is in?


My father is finally home from the hospital. He got through bypass surgery only to experience a heart attack a few days later. He is mending and I am grateful that he is on the way to recovery as well as for those of you who kept him in your thoughts and prayers.

I am still taking orientation and mobility training. I do not know where John's patience comes from. We went walking last Wednesday evening. It was an interesting experience. When we came to a busy street that we needed to cross (and we had the right of way), he said, don't worry they will stop because you have a white cane. When that did not happen, he said, they stop in Columbus. I said, people in Columbus carry guns...here they just run you over. I think he thought I was serious at first.

He thought we should report the offenders. I asked how and he said we could turn in their license numbers. I had to laugh because you can't do that if you can't see the number. He laughed too and reminded me that he could see the numbers.

I strolled along with my marshmallow tipped cane down several streets. I ran into numerous trash bags and cans because it was the night before the trash run. This should not happen. Garbage should be in the tree lawn close to the curb...not on the sidewalk.
Many of the sidewalks in Marion are dangerous. I hugged a tree a couple of times. Kissing an Oak tree was not on my wish list and there was no mistletoe!

Did you know that those orangish tile looking things with bumps on them are for the blind? You see them around the courthouse and many places where there is new construction or pavement replacement. I thought they were for wheelchairs. I thought it was to keep them from rolling into the street at intersections. Who knew? My feet can now do the braille happy dance. Joey will be so proud!

My world is changing. I have received so many wonderful visual aids. I can read a menu again.... I can read! I can battle the sunlight.

In October I went for my functional and clinical evaluations in Columbus. I had the opportunity to see some of the new technology available to those that are visually impaired or blind. I was absolutely wonderstruck. I had the chance to use some of the equipment while I was there. I worked with Diane who is wonderful. After my evaluation she recommended a much larger computer monitor, ZoomText software, low vision keyboards, a CCTV, computer glasses, special sunglasses, a portable video magnifier, a couple of stand magnifiers, special flashlights, a telescope, orientation and mobility training and more.

I was blessed, Vision Rehabilitation Services approved everything that was recommended and I am now a member of the enhanced vision tech world.

I have the honor and privilege of seeing things I have not seen in many years. It is overwhelming!
I cannot express my gratitude enough.

My Christmas wishes are simple. I could list them here but I would like to hear what your Christmas wishes are to share in my next blog post. Please share some of your wishes with us.

May you all feel loved and blessed.