*To new readers: When I refer to Zelda (or Z), I am writing about my white cane.  Thank you for reading “Stories from the Edge of Blindness”

Reluctant Side Kick

Zelda and I have reconciled, again.  I suppose we are together for better or worse, but I am still her somewhat reluctant side kick, reluctant to give in and give over to her, to let her lead the way, but, my self guidance system is seriously faulty.

Joe and I were grocery shopping the other day – before I rescued Z from beneath a mound of coats and hats and bags, on the hat rack and I collided with a shopping cart that someone had left in the middle of an exit isle.  It wasn’t a bad collision; I was just left with some bruises on my legs, but when it happened, I looked up at Joe and said,”I guess I could have used Zelda today”.  He just smiled and nodded and we left the store.

As a result of this particular collision, I had to admit that I have been treating Joe unfairly.  Whenever we go out together, I depend on him to keep me from collisions and falls and the always possible rage of strangers, but what about Zelda?  If I had Z with me, Joe could shop and walk and roam to his heart’s content without having to worry about me the whole time.  I have been so selfish.  I have been telling myself that using or not using Zelda only affects me, and that simply isn’t true.

So, I have put Zelda back on a prominent hook, next to my purse and sweater, so I will be reminded to always bring her with me. I don’t want to need her, but sometimes I know I will, and when I no longer have the amount of useable vision I have now, I will be grateful that she and I have become well acquainted.