I walk between 10 and 12 miles a day in my neighborhood. This is a great time for reflection, planning, and reenergizing myself. Recently, I took a fall and had to live for two-weeks with two very black eyes. Now, I have returned to walking with either one or two poles depending on my strength and stability at the time of my walk.
Today I can upon two boys (probably 10 and 12) whom I had never seen before. I asked them if school was out. They told me that they are from Ohio and that yes, they are out of school. I told them the kids in Washington state still have this week in school. They just laughed.
Then the eldest boy said very candidly: “Are you blind?” I was taken back a bit because my walking pole is bright red, not white. Then, I explained to him that I use these “treking” poles for stability and balance because I have MS. Very matter of factly, he said: “That is cool.”
Most adults seem bothered to see me walking with my poles or sticks, but these kids were curious, asked, and were genuine. I appreciate that so much.
MS Fortunate 