Cockeyed - A memoir of going blind

One of the things I've been up to here at my island retreat is setting up a network for youth with Ushers Syndrome.

Ushers Syndrome involves a combination of vision and hearing loss and effects roughly 4 out of 100 000 people. There are 3 primary different types of Ushers, varying in severity and speed of onset, and because the condition is so rare medical professionals often do not diagnose it properly, meaning people spend a large chunk of their lives not ever knowing that they have it.

I was born with Ushers Syndrome Type II, which involves a progressive vision loss throughout life combined with a stable, moderate-to-severe hearing loss.

My friend Carrie, who also has Ushers Syndrome, recently recommended a book called Cockeyed by Ryan Knighton.

The authour was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (progressive vision loss) at the age of 18, and Cockeyed is his memoir of going blind while trying to grow up and do all of the things that we're supposed to do as we grow up.

It's a well written book, and I'd recommend reading it to anyone looking to understand a bit more about blindness or even just an entertaining summer read. The majority of the book consists of anecdotes, stories about the mishaps he's found himself in, and it's told with a delicious, wry sense of humour that found me chuckling to myself on the bus more than a few times.

I'd also recommend it to anyone in the early stages of vision loss, as it pointed out a few things that I hadn't thought of previously and gives a good look at the types of challenges we can expect to face down the road.

Thetis Lake

About an hour by bicycle from Victoria on the Galloping Goose trail is a nifty little lake called Thetis lake, where I've been spending many a lazy & hazy summer afternoon.

What makes Thetis Lake interesting are the different 'stages' or points of entry. When you come in, there is a main beach that is pretty small, with a small canteen and changing facilities etc.

The water is nice and warm, and I recommend bringing something to float on to give you some extra space. The main beach can get pretty crowded, and is definitely of a 'family' orientation.

After visiting this main beach a few times I discovered paths on either side of the lake that take you to Upper Thetis, another small lake that connects to the main lake.

Upper Thetis is much cooler (in the hip sense - the water is actually quite warm) with less traffic and tons of secluded coves, rewarding the person who's willing to walk a bit further with scenic views and fewer people.

Upper Thetis has just the right amount of people around at different points on the lake, and is definitely more of an adult orientation - funny-smelling tobacco and nude suntanners abound.

Definitely one of my favourite places, and a highly recommended way to spend a summer afternoon.

The picture above was taken with my cellphone, and is of the main lake. The picture below is actually just a few blocks from my house, and isn't related to this post at all. :-)

Interesting posts coming soon.

OK OK.... So, looking back at all of the posts on this blog I realise that there's not a lot of diversity - too many of the posts talk about the Ship For World Youth program, which can be boring if you're not a SWY person.

Hence, from now on I promise to have posts that are of a more general interest sort of nature.... and I promise they'll be interesting as well. Keep coming back. I really do want people to read this stuff...

If all goes well I should have a new cell phone soon, which will mean I can take photos of my escapades around the island here to entertain y'all...

Excitement and wonder to follow.

Ship for World Youth 19 - Call for applications

Imagine learning about global issues and different cultures with youth from every corner of the world as you sail from Japan to Australia, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga between January 16 - March 8, 2007.

If you are a leader in your community, and have a desire to help others learn about Canada while learning about Japan consider applying to be a Canadian delegate on the 19th Ship For World Youth!

Past experience has shown that diverse delegations are strong ones, and youth from all different backgrounds are encouraged to apply before September 8, 2006.

www.swycanada.org

Note: Applications for the National Leader (ages 30 - 39) are being accepted until August 11, 2006.