Patience and compassion are key when it comes to weathering a storm together.
That91裸聊视频檚 according to Kelowna couple Pauline and Jim Marshall.
Over the years, Jim developed glaucoma, which he had been able to manage well. But then three years ago, he suddenly lost his vision while on a trip to California with his wife Pauline.
91裸聊视频淚 think the hardest part was that it happened so suddenly. We91裸聊视频檙e both avid cyclists and in January (2017), we were doing really well cycling. Then Jim developed a red-eye and by February, he could no longer drive,91裸聊视频� Pauline said.
At first, it felt like they went through all the stages of grief, Pauline explained.
91裸聊视频淎t one point, we were told that Jim91裸聊视频檚 vision would not be restored91裸聊视频ut we kept saying to our ophthalmologist, 91裸聊视频楴o, we91裸聊视频檙e not going to believe this.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淎nd so we started a journey of hope and change and adapting and trying to figure out what our new norm was going to be.
91裸聊视频淎nd that91裸聊视频檚 where we are now.91裸聊视频�
Jim said it was difficult and isolating in the beginning. Despite the diagnosis that he won91裸聊视频檛 have any vision at all, he is still able to see.
He described his remaining vision as like looking through wax paper, and the world beyond it looking like shadows.
91裸聊视频淎s a husband and a father, you91裸聊视频檙e always wanting to do things. You91裸聊视频檝e got the driving, you91裸聊视频檝e got to take care of your family, you91裸聊视频檝e got all that and that91裸聊视频檚 taken away from you in an instant,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淏ut once you realize this is your reality, you start to ask, 91裸聊视频榃hat can I do and how can I do it?91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淏ecause everything can be done. Everything I did before, I can still do now.91裸聊视频�
He may not be able to see the way he did before, but he can adapt and do the things he used to do but with a little more patience and help from Pauline.
Since he can91裸聊视频檛 read things on the computer screen or his tablet anymore, he uses apps and functions that read items out loud to him.
He has a specialized magnifying glass with a light that helps him read printed items.
And then there91裸聊视频檚 his wife.
91裸聊视频淛im chose not to have a seeing-eye dog. And we always joke that I91裸聊视频檓 his guide dog. He91裸聊视频檚 still very independent, so we try and cook together, but he can still help with preparation,91裸聊视频� Pauline said.
Whenever they91裸聊视频檙e in a crowded or unfamiliar place, Pauline helps Jim navigate.
As avid cyclists before Jim91裸聊视频檚 vision loss, the couple didn91裸聊视频檛 want to also lose their sense of outdoor adventure, so they purchased a tandem bike.
Pauline steers and Jim is the muscle behind the pedal.
91裸聊视频淲e have always been a team. We worked together, travelled together, and we91裸聊视频檙e still a team,91裸聊视频� she added.
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