"Sense-Abilities" From White Cane to The Zane Train!

Good morning all,

This will be kinda fun and different. I have heard a lot of stories about Dad and his vision loss that I want to tell you about.

Dad was sharing about what it's been like going blind slowly and all the adjustments he has had to make in his life over the years.

It brought a tear to my eyes as I listened, but guess what? He would not need me if these things had not been happening to him. I get to brighten up his life and bring him independence and freedom. That makes me pretty special!

This series of stories are what I head him say about his changing "senses," what it's been like learning about vision loss . . . going from his old way of getting around with a white cane to what it's been like now that he has the Zane Train . . . about his ability to cope and experience these changes . . . about his "sense-abilities."

I’m starting to feel like I am really making a contribution to my partner. As chief engineer of the Zane Train, I am always watching out for bumps along the road including cars, trucks and buses.

Richard now gets to enjoy the scenery, what little of it he can still see. He gets to enjoy the sounds of the city, the smells of the roses and - is able to be more present to the world around him . . . not worrying about bumping into things or getting hurt.

Wow! I provide that! It gives me such a sense of pride to know that all of the extensive training I got at college was for this!

Dad says, “Walking has become an entirely new experience. While on board the Zane Train, I can just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

He also says that he now has much less stress than he had when walking with his white cane. (See the picture above of Dad walking to work before I arrived.)

He says that he has much less concern about what is going on around him. Though he still needs to stay alert, the ride is so much smoother.

The Zane Train pretty much put the white cane into moth balls. Dad says it's a whole new world using a guide dog versus using a white cane, which he did for 15 years.

What was a really big deal was for him to make the choice to give up the cane and get a guide dog. Boy, is he glad he did!

So hop on board the Zane Train as we learn more about Dad's loss of vision, all the challenges he faced and how he has coped with it.

If you have had similar experiences, please share them!

Revving up the engine and toot, toot - Zane Train is one the move!

Lots of Licks,

Zane