Can a vision-impaired individual do anything he wants? With certain, few exceptions, my answer is yes.
This past week I took a step to do something I never imagined doing partly because it’s something foreign to me but mostly because I thought my eye sight would limit me from doing it. I went cross-country skiing.
Now, let me take a second to give background. Yes, I live in Michigan, have for the past fourteen years, but I grew up in South Texas, where it only snowed once during my time living there (the proof is in an old photo of a young Roel in the snow). And during the time living here, I’ve never so much as tried any winter activity except for sledding on a few occasions.
But when this opportunity came up, I never hesitated. I said yes. I saw it as a chance to try something new and also spend time with my son Kyle, who also never tried skiing.
So off we went and the two of us were part of eight people taking lessons on the trails of Pigeon Creek some miles north of Holland. The lessons were hands-on. Learn as you go on the trail. And you know what? It was the most exhilarating and fun time I’ve experienced in many winters.
Was I scared? Oh, I’d be lying if I said no. because of the way my vision loss is set up in my field of vision, my central vision is obstructed. So I am relying so much on peripheral vision. And what did I see near me on the trails that cut into the woods? Yep, trees. I was so afraid of flying off and slamming into a tree face first.
That never happened,, though. Thank goodness; though, I fell a handful of times, scraping my face a bit and bruising my ego more.
There were times when I picked up speed as I glided/slid down a very slick hill (all the trails were slick with icy, packed snow). And just when my speed seemed steady, I’d panic and stop pushing with my ski poles. It was during these bursts of speed that I envisioned myself flying off the track or trail, missing a turn and smack! (cartoon image of Roel striking a tree trunk, full body, and then sliding off onto the snow).
So my own fears sort of held me back from gaining huge bursts of speed. I felt if the trails were wider, speeds exceeding a fast jog would be reached.
In the end, it was a great, bonding time with my kid (who, like many physical activities, he excelled at it). And it was a learning lesson for me. Don’t let anything stop you, disability or not. You can do it. And so I did.
- Roel -
Comments