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Blind and Refined
A routine physical for 28 year old John Powers led to an eye specialist informing John that half his sight was gone. He had no idea. A degenerative eye disease (choroideremia) would eventually lead to blindness. 30 years later, John recounts what helped and hindered him on his “challenging and messy” journey of sight loss.
This is a candid narrative in which denial and resistance eventually gave way to acceptance and the assistance of a supportive community and the riches of his Christian faith.
“I think there are others out there who get a life changing diagnosis, and all of a sudden, they have to find a new way forward.”
Blind and Refined
Episode 5 - The White Cane Moment: From Shame to the First Step
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John tells the pivotal story of a clinic visit and a blunt, compassionate exchange that exposed his embarrassment about losing sight and pushed him toward acceptance — including the humbling but clarifying “confrontational” vision test and the suggestion to train with a white cane. He explains how naming feelings early, sharing them with trusted people (and caring for partners/caregivers), and embracing grief as a refining process helped him stop lashing out and begin healthier, braver steps forward.
Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien
Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler
Audio Editing: Reed Seely
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM