It's the Small Things that Really Get to You + Life Update | Life After Sight Loss

[@theblindlife]

I totally get it, man! These feelings hit me every now and then and it's usually for the simplest reasons. The video game thing doesn't surprise me at all. It sounds like you were definitely feeling some nostalgia and looking forward to sitting down and playing with your kids. That would have seriously bothered me as well! So glad you're back and wish you the best of luck!

[@ayellowpapercrown6750]

Can’t believe you’ve been blind for almost as long as I’ve been alive! (I’ll celebrate my 21st in April). It’s quite easy to get isolated in blindness because a lot of people don’t know anyone else who is VI, but I’ve kind of zipped through that lonely phase when I was 16/17 because I found your videos. Your videos and podcasts have been there the whole time and kind of shaped how I feel about my disability. I’m saying that because I kind of relate to today’s topic: it’s no longer the big things, like not driving or not reading print that bother me, it’s more the pet peeves and the small and virtually inconsequential things that do (like not being able to play Animal Crossing on that damn Switch). In a way, your videos have kind of shaped that mindset in me. I don’t really suffer from these huge things that actually impact my life because you’ve helped me accept them, find solutions and move on, which I feel like contributed a lot to my success and wellbeing today. Kind of a random, rambly comment just to say I really like today’s topic, and the fact that I get hung up over the little things rather than the big big picture is actually quite good for me, and your videos have helped me a lot regarding that. I hope you and the family are doing well now!

[@jannellmeagher638]

That's right cause you can't run carrying suitcases! It's ok to feel not ok, just don't live there. God knows what you are going through and He will help you get through anything if we ask and believe. He never leaves us. Great seeing you again!

[@Koda_Grey]

Hello from a blind gamer! I was born blind so I’be learned to adapt and have a lot of patience while playing games. I enjoy Super Smash Brothers, but I am absolutely abysmal at it. Since the goal of the game is to literally throw you off the stage, I don’t know how they could make it more accessible. However, I know you have some usable vision so you may want to try making the characters gigantic and see if that can help you. You also can give other players handicaps to help try to level the playing field a bit. Playing on the gigantic flat stages also gives you less falling risks. Just some ideas. I completely understand what you mean about it being the small things that can really bring you down. Facing public discrimination is somehow easier for me than realising I can’t sign a document on my own. Those little events pile up and after a while I break down. You definitely aren’t alone in that cycle. Snuffle abacus is what dictation provided to me so I’ll go with that. Haha

[@lso432]

So glad you are back and great video. Always nice to know I am not alone in these struggles. Take care

[@BlindBabeBeth]

This is a really, really important message, although it can be difficult in these moments to remember. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

[@melanies.6139]

Great to see you! So glad y’all are doing well in spite of having Covid. One little thing I miss is browsing greeting cards on my own.I used to love reading all the funny ones and take great pleasure in choosing the perfect card. Now I need help finding the right section and usually in reading the cards. This year though, my solution was to buy ALL the birthday cards I’d need for the year at one time. I just got duplicates of ones that appealed, so now I just choose one from my stash and I’m good to go. 😊

[@suzyb2078]

I like your personality and your attitude. I am legally blind with a guide dog for the last year now. Not driving now for three years I had to just take that one day at a time for sure. The thing that bothers me the most but doesn’t happen very often as when I bumped my head on something that I did not see 🤕

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Snuffle Luffa guess! That’s such a cool idea having a secret word to see you stay at the end of the video. I’m glad that you and your wife are doing better and got Covid OK. That’s good that your kids never got sick. I just turned 22 last month and have been visually impaired my whole life. I definitely agree with you that more often than not it’s a little things that frustrate me. Not driving still bothered me but it did more when I was a teenager and had friends who are getting their licenses. Now I’m pretty much used to that and like you said have grown a custom to doing things like paratransit and asking friends and family for rides. I think you’re right that one of the reasons the little things can be so frustrating and it’s heartening it’s because they catch us off guard and we don’t expect them. For instance, the other day at school I forgot my phone charger and I only live about 15 minutes away from my campus. So my first thought was if I could drive this wouldn’t be an issue because I could just get it between classes. My second thought was if I could see better I could just logon to any computer to do my zoom class because I wouldn’t need to worry about screen readers and my third thought was if I had more close friends I would probably know someone else in my class in the able to sign on with them maybe I’d have more friends if I had more social interactions and maybe I had more social interactions if I could see who was who and maybe… Well you get the point it was a never ending spiral which did no good except to make me go around in circles and getting more and more frustrated. But I was proud of myself for letting myself feel all that in the moment because like he pointed out that the best way to acknowledge the emotion and then move forward with your day.

[@karenmac7990]

Great to see you back. This is so true it is the small things that hit you when you are not expected. Take care

[@Jaybroney]

totally get what you are saying, played video games quite regularly myself up until about 20 years ago or thereabouts. Even when my vision was better though some of them I could not play and it was frustrating. it’s funny how technology has made it such an awkward transition for those of us who were able to see better at one time, in some ways we don’t have access to things we did years ago, but in others we can do things now that we would’ve never dreamed of back then so I guess you have to split it down the middle and acknowledge how you feel about what you’re not able to do and do the best you can to enjoy what you are able to do. But I think you are definitely on the right track with this discussion from one avid one time video game or two another. Love your channel, keep up the great work!

[@pduffy83usa]

Totally with you my friend!!

[@frankie5862]

Glad you’re back and so glad You both got through covid. Looking forward to the return of the podcast! 😊💕

[@hollymcknight8581]

I was literally thinking about you yesterday, and wondering how you were going. Also, I totally understand, because I am also a kid who grew up in the 1980s and 90s, I could never play video games either. I know I have friends that play them now, and basically the only games I can play or trivia games, or candy crush on my iPad, but not my phone. I totally feel you. Hoping that you guys do not have nearly the problems with the weather that we in Texas have had over the past week. Luckily, my house never lost power or water. We are blessed. I get to go to church in person tomorrow, and work my dog. I am so excited about that! How is Mr. black dog?

[@MrShwnhhwrd]

Been hoping to see a new video from you. Your videos help me not only with being blind but being able to embrace it. Thank you for your positive words. I’ll be looking forward to more videos and podcasts.

[@hilaryweiner893]

I'm glad you're doing OK after Covid. Low contrast digital media is really frustrating to me too. Hopefully you can figure out how to make this game more accessible to you. Finally figuring out how to work around issues caused by vision loss is how I cope. Time limited pity parties when you realize there isn't a solution help too :-).

[@breaktime3269]

So true, its so frustrating, when trying to play games with family on the tv. Some cinemas have their films in 3D, that was a big mistake, couldnt use 3d glasses, as they just did'nt work. I could enjoy some of these visual things to a very limited extent, over 20 years ago, but not any longer. My visual impaireness has worserned over the years. The worst is that others can't always understand, not in anyway their fault, nor can one expect them to, but its so frustrating for us! Kind Regards

[@Tweetiebyrd13]

So good to see ya Snuffleupagus! Lol just teasin ya. Really, it is good to see you. Glad that you and April and the kids are all well. Hope the other things get better.

[@davidakers5488]

I am so happy to see a video from you. It has been so long. I love your videos because they are uplifting and inspiring for me. I am glad you and your family are well and survived the virus. I’m sure you are busy but bring on the videos and the podcasts. I love them.

[@KonjikiKonjiki]

Thank you Derek, I've been sticking with things that are easy for me to deal with with respect to my vision loss lately. Which means I'm WAY behind onmy email because even with a spartphone, email is overhwelming for me these days. Have been playingPokemon, then Animal crossing, endlessly on my Nintendo Switch through this pandemic Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone, even when everthing round us is trying to make us feel that way.

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

Hey Derek.! It is so fantastic to see you buddy. I thought maybe KZbin had taken off the notifications as they sometimes do to some of the people that I watch. But I just want you to know that just seeing this video made me A very happy person. I know exactly what you’re talking about in this video. My vision I was born with it and it was always a very sturdy and slow progression until I turn 40. Now my vision is rapidly getting worse. I’m having trouble playing video games, card games, and even loved ones faces. I’m still trying to adjust to it and most of all I’m trying to learn to talk about it more. Thank you for this video. I’m sorry to hear that you were in April both had Covid. But I’m glad that you both are better now and the kids are OK also. I send you and your whole family lots of prayers and thoughts and love. And as always I really have missed you in April in your podcasts. But I just miss you both all together. Thank you for coming back and keeping us posted. And I pray that everything that is going on at this moment in your life well get better as time goes on.. Love you both. Hugs with love

[@farelheart5031]

Good to see you back again and to hear your update. I think we were all probably wondering how things were going with you. As far as your hairstyle, try what I did when it has been difficult to get a haircut… I saved it as short as I could get it. Like they say, it all grows back anyway… Hopefully!

[@jerrelware7186]

I can definitely relate, as a former gamer myself. Personally I watch gameplay/walkthroughs so I can still "watch" without the frustration of trying to see/play. So glad that your family has recovered from Covid and are safe. Snuffleupagus

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

Hey Derek, firstly great to hear from you again - you left a good impression on me when I lost my sight two years ago. I now also have a guide dog named Spencer ( He was sponsored by Marks and Spencer here in the UK ) - so life is good, despite the covid situation. So pleased you and April are good after covid - I had it March of last year, but all good again and had my vaccine yesterday. Good to hear that your children weren't affected. You are so right - the tiny little things that people think wouldn't bother you are THE worst lol. I remember when it first happened and I would no longer be able to drive , that would be the worst thing ever. Actually, I never really missed it BUT blimey, if I open a carton of orange juice, because I thought it was pineapple juice which was right at the side of it - bug someone switched them.. you would think the earth has stopped turning lol. but hey, were all human, and as you say - think about it, feel it, let it have its thing...then why the big deal..orange juice, pineapple juice - I like em both lol look forward to next time Terry

[@buyukberber]

Great to see and hear you again Derek! This kind of video means a lot to me... I do appreciate it so much!. I so relate to being upset about something like you describe. It may seem like a small thing, but it can hit like a truck. Keep up the good spirit and stay healthy. Greetings from snowy Amsterdam!

[@terralroberts2088]

Hello my friend! It’s great to see and hear you again.

[@davidhartline9172]

Great to see you again! We’ve missed you.

[@thejourney1369]

Good to hear from you! I like the COVID hair! I have enough vision in one eye that I can see it.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Welcome back! Glad you’re going okay after Covid.

[@karahamil3657]

Thank you !!!! Great advice for anyone going through tough issues ... my sight is leaving a little bit each day .... macular degeneration ... injections are not going to work anymore .... thank you and joe to hear more vids from you . Stay safe .....glad you got over covid.... was it very bad ? Did you need meds? Soooooo stressed about this .

[@susankrahling6326]

Missed you sharing your wisdom.

[@larrytestut4655]

Hello it’s good to see you again!

[@macgabhann1108]

Very good point. Infact I had something similar last week went to a burger place to order a couple of burgers for my mom and I and was looking at the menu when I realized I could not read the small print but rather then asking the waitress and feeling embarrassed I just decided to go with a bacon burger because that had to be one of the options still it was a bit depressing to discover I could not read the menu but today I found a magnifying glass that fits in the wallet when I was at bi-mart so next time I should be ready for it. I guess you could say that that menu was a real eye opener.

[@garethknott5915]

great video think good advise for sighted people as well .

[@michellelewis5345]

So glad to see you back! How were you coping with you guide dog during the pandemic? Because dogs are like kids, wenn they can take an advantage in a situation like being a bit lazy wenn not trained so often? Looking forwards for a normal life again taking public's transports in Paris giving English courses for the blind but felling nervous after being stuck at home just going to the grocery store not far from my house,since last march because of the Covid! Many of us VIPS will need a bit of mobility training to fell secure again! I still have light perception but for those who are totally.Blind it's going to be a bit of a struggle!😃☀️

[@independentlyblind5816]

It’s great to hear you’re doing OK, snuffle up a kiss LOL

[@sannaslife6395]

Love your videos

[@LiveAccessible]

This is so true. Sometimes, it really is the LITTLE things... Glad you're all better from COVID! 😊 By the way, have you always had that beard? Have I been blind? Or are you and Sam both growing out? Or are you both trying to be Snuffleupagus? Alexa says that's how you spell it, but there's a big red line under it... I don't know. LOl.

[@MrMagoo-wp7pq]

"video" games are a visual medium? Really?! Wow! Haha! You made me laugh when you said that. You yelled at your kids and threw the controller?! Oh no! I'm just kidding. I'm in one of those moods. It's good to see you post a new video.

[@lighthealerca]

I GET IT I HAVE ONLY BEEN BLIND FOR 4 YEARS .I HATE IT WHEN I TRY TO DO THINGS LIKE GO TO THE GYM WITHOUT ANYONE. IT MAKES ME SO SAD AND MAD MY LIFE HAS CHANGED.

[@LifeAfterSightLoss]

I totally understand! Change is difficult especially when you didn't initiate the change yourself. Just know you aren't alone and there is lots of support out here!

[@tiernandevine2849]

I am blind myself I have been blind now for 7 years it does not get any easier with covered when you're trying to live a normal life with blindness people do not understand what it is like to be blind until they are are those who are blind I just like to say hello to all

[@LegallyBlindGeek]

It always seems to be the little things that trip up a visually impaired person. For instants, putting a quart of buttermilk in the refrigerator door. Where I normally keep the Almond Milk. Both are in a Container constructed of similar shape and texture. Have you ever tried buttermilk in your coffee? Personally, this kind of mixup invokes a gag reflects I care not to repeat.

[@LegallyBlindGeek]

LOL! :)

[@blindnessisaspectrum6237]

Being left out playing with your kiddo, of course your gonna have emotion. Question: are you still involved with sermon's?

[@inekogary8870]

You know none of that you’re saying that bothers you it totally doesn’t bother me. Why? Because I have been wrong since I have been six months old. So I don’t know what color looks like or anything else look like a grown-up and everybody in my family with my brothers and sisters we’re driving I’m like OK cool. But my cousin he put me behind the wheel of his car and I ask well with his help on the registry and he said I did good he didn’t say red light stop or we can’t go with yellow light slow down. He just told me when he cut me on my leg wants me to stop and when he took normally it means to go and when he squeeze my arm and meant to slow down that’s how he did it to teach me how to drive as a blind person no unfortunately I have some sites like you or Sam with a boring life I never have because-month-old and I loved it growing up and I stil. So if I just want to go somewhere just grab my guide and go. I’ve been at Guide Dog Users for almost 30 years and I’ve been blind since I’ve been six months old I’m almost 50 years old.

[@mcourcel]

Kudos on surviving Covid. Hmm, did you cut your own hair? Lol! Ever since we've been trapped at home, I've had my wife buzz cut my hair. I want to shave bald, but she refuses. She also doesn't want me to cut her hair. i don't get it Lol! Blind guy with clippers? What could go wrong?

[@MrMagoo-wp7pq]

I have the answer to your hair problems, or for the hair problems of every snuffleupagus out there. Hair clippers with 1/8 inch attachment. Run it all over your head a couple of times and, wallah! The only problem is picking it up off the floor. Tara!