It was 1991 when I first began using a white cane. Since my vision loss has been a slow progression over time, I did not experience the anger issues and resentment that can sometimes accompany a sudden loss of independence due to blindness. While I won’t go so far as to say I was so excited that I just couldn’t wait to get a white cane, I found myself trying to come to terms with my circumstances so that I could be at peace and be as independent as possible.
Almost immediately, I became rather attached to the cane. I realized that the cane was an important part of my well-being, and that learning to use it properly would enhance the quality of my life. I thought of the cane as an extension of myself, and as such deserved it’s own identity.
Truthfully, I’ve always been the kind of person who gave inanimate objects names. I’m guessing there’s a luxury vehicle to be had for the psychotherapist who analyzes this little fetish, but it’s true. I have always given names to things, I personalize them, I believe that there are some objects that have energy. So like, wow man, that’s so Zen. Let’s chill.
No, I don’t wear love beads or hang crystals over doorways. Maybe it’s one of those whatever-gets-you-through-the-day types of things. Still, it was natural for me to name my new companion, and the name I chose was Candy. Candy The Cane.
Well, isn’t that adorable? maybe not, but it sure gave me comfort, when just a couple of years later, I happened to be watching a news magazine program on television, and the program featured a school for children with disabilities. Most of the children were grade school age, and they carried the tiniest little white canes. Now, THEY were truly adorable. it was when one of the little ones was interviewed that I was delighted to learn that the children had all named their white canes. Well, I thought, I’m not so bizarre after all. Childlike, maybe, but not crazy.
Over the years, I’ve made it a point to ask other people who are blind if they have a name for their white cane. many do. I find this so uplifting and encouraging. I really don’t know why, but it pleases me to think about other people who are blind who also have a questionable attachment to their mobility cane. I’ve put together a short list culled from some of my twitter followers, simply because it’s easy to poll that group. Here are just a few:
Seymour (Get it? See More? I know, I know…)
The White Shaft (That cracks me up)
Jane
Mr. Yuk (this person prefers her dog)
Harry (Can’t help you on that one)
Sticky (no comment)
Abel (Cain’s brother)
Little John McCane )
Whisker (As in the way a cat’s whiskers help feel the way)
Moses (I’ve parted many a human sea with my own cane, so that one makes sense)
Gary and Russell (absolutely no significance whatsoever)
I’m sometimes asked why I use a cane instead of a guide dog. Truthfully, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. While my white cane may not be as cute as a dog (although that’s a matter of opinion), Candy gets me around just fine. I will admit this, however: Candy isn’t the best cuddle partner, and she doesn’t have that cool puppy breath. On the other hand, I don’t have to clean up after Candy The Cane.
LL
Lots of Good information in your blogpost, I favorited your blog so I can visit again in the near future, All the Best
I stumbled across your post while trying to learn how to navigate blogs and it amused me. I name everything also. A cane is a vary intimate relationship in a way and it calls for a name. I named my cane years ago. I call it Virgil as in “Virgil Cane was his name…” I also like the idea that the cane is white and Virgil is close to virgin. It made me laugh. The question now is, when I get a new cane, will I cahnge its name? I also name plants, computers, cars, and people have many nick names.
Mel, so glad you enjoyed the post. Have any friends who have named their canes? I’ll continue to grow the list, and maybe I’ll post a part 2 sometime. LL.
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I am sorry if this is not appropriate but I am new to navigating blogs. I am searching for a community of blind people to discuss issues such as relationship challenges as well as the gifts inherant in living a sightless life. I am curious about the inner landscape of my fellow blind people. Do you know of any way for me to achieve this goal? Thanks for any insights. Mel
You are already on the right track by meandering your way through the vast array of blogs focusing on vision loss, accessibility and assistive technology. There is a huge blindness community on the web. You could get lost in the choices, spend days exploring, and find yourself armed with more information than you imagined possible. Most likely, the fastest way to get many choices is to simply type blindness-related terms into your favorite search engine. another recommendation is to consider joining any of the social networking sites. Again, you might be surprised at the number of blind or visually impaired Twitter users and groups on Facebook. I’ll put together a list of my own favorites, and post it in a few days.
—– Original Message —–
loved this post!