Blurry bowls and a White stick

 Ok so I've joined the local bowls club. This may seem a little strange for someone with visual issues, but it has been a breath of fresh air. The people helping us to learn have been fab and very patient - which is a blessing in itself. The picture I've uploaded is of a wood, that's the correct terminology, which I bowled during a training session. As you can see, I got quite close to the jack - which is a miracle as I can't see the jack clearly. A few of us are so looking forward to being fully integrated into the club and when I get my eyes back - who knows what will happen next. 

 Another thing which has happened this week is I've got a white stick. This may seem a little OTT, but outside I am a walking accident waiting to happen. I can't see cars coming towards me, which is problematic when I walk everywhere. I often bump into things and sometimes nearly people. So this just warns people around me that I am having difficulty seeing and to beware of me being accident prone. BUT there is a little problem with this. In order for the stick to have the impact it needs to have, people need to look where they are going. This morning I nearly walked into a man who was looking at his phone while he walked and I only saw him at the very last second. If he had been looking forward he would've seen me and my little stick and been able to navigate me quite easily. 

I'm still having problems with cars parked on the pavement and even after speaking in person to someone who had parked his car on the pavement, we still are where we are. Please if you are reading this and drive a car, would you think before parking on the pavement because it is so difficult to navigate when you can't see, or are in a wheel chair or have a child in a buggy - rant over.

I guess the reason for writing today is to say I am struggling with everyday life, I am getting fed up and miserable and tired and snappy. BUT there are things in my life which are life-giving and this picture of my bowls club is one of those things. I wanted to write this so that when I get my eyes back, I can reflect on how far I've come. 

I am going to vote tonight which is also going to be a new experience since I can't see when I've written anything - so who knows what will happen there!

Through all of this, I want to give the glory to God. He is with me when I feel alone - which is often especially at work. He is by my side when I am trying to navigate myself across the road. He is my source of strength when I feel low and fed up. I have so much to thank God for as without him I know I would not be able to get through this. He has given me some amazing friends who keep me going, who make me laugh and who wipe tea off the wall when I spill it falling down the stairs. Without these amazing people I would be lost - I just want to say thank you to all of you. My One Vision friends, pardon the pun you know who you are, my poodle and bowls buddies, my canasta gang, Ange, Mongo Woof (who only ever wants me to throw the ball for him) and last but never least my rock Kate  Thank you all for being there and helping me stay me. I praise God for everyone of you.