Dear diary,
I can say that you are probably, and the only, friend that I have right now. I’m sure that I have people who could be classed as ‘friends’ but they just don’t have the patience or knowledge about how difficult my life is. How challenging it is for me to do the simplest thing. Another week, another day, has gone by and still no one cares; I just look out of the window and wish that everything was ok. But it isn’t. Exams are coming round fast and I know what’s going to happen. Papers aren’t going to be in the right size font, the computer is going to drive me mad and I won’t get enough time to even complete the exam. But what can you do.
Getting around is still difficult despite that I do have some vision, and yet people think that there is nothing wrong with me. Which makes me wonder whether society really knows what having a ‘visual impairment’ means. And government doesn’t help, it’s down to us individuals and charities to spread awareness around. I can’t really complain ‘cause what do I know. I may be ranting on again but that is what happens when you are stuck indoors; seeing the exact four walls all day long. I’m surprised that it hasn’t driven me insane yet.
More to the point, I feel that I cannot go outside or socialise with friends because of my sight. Especially at night. You would think that daytime would be fine. But no. People everywhere; bright sunlight and those annoying buses which go past you if you do not put your hand out in time. For me this really irritates me cause I can only see the number once it’s close to the bus stop. Night-time is even worse as I can’t see a thing, until it’s almost near me, and I know how embarrassing it is when you walk into somebody and say “sorry I didn’t see you there, I’m blind”. You may laugh but trust me it is no laughing matter. Great mums calling me, bye for now.
[Comment added 27th November 2011] I got my cane two days ago, and what a wonderful feeling I have right now. All that time I’ve been without one and yet life is probably going to be much easier with this thing. No more staying indoors, no more looking at walls and no more feeling embarrassed when going outside. Roll on the mobility training sessions.