Hector the Protector

Hector the Protector: It's been two years since my last post and we have a new addition to our family. We like to refer to him as "Hector the Protector." He stands approximately four feet tall and is quite slender. He sports a clean white look with a spot of red and black here and there. He is willing to take as many bumps and bruises as needed to keep me safe. I've become extremely reliant on my new friend and almost feel a void when he's left behind. You ask, "who is this handsome knight in shiny armor?" Hector is my new white cane, which is a tool used by blind people to give them independence. I was so reluctant to get one and the truth is it has changed my life. Instead of playing human bumper cars when I walk down the streets of San Francisco, it is like experiencing the parting of the red sea again and again. The reality is I can no longer be anonymous or hide my secret, which was a great avoidance tactic. Instead, the white cane is a dead give away. It is a small price to pay for what feels like a new found freedom. It gives me confidence to go places that I may have dreaded or avoided in the past. I now strut with confidence and embrace my cane. He truly is a great protector, but will never replace the number one protector in my life, my husband! I love you to pieces.