Seeing Red
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When I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa back in 1997, one of the first things I started to notice along with my decreased vision, was my loss of the ability to perceive colors the way I used to. I was having trouble differentiating between the darker colors, such as dark greens, blues and blacks. As time went on, I lost even more color receptors, and I needed the help of others to tell me what color different clothes were.
I learned this the embarrassing way. Well embarrassing to me anyway, as being color coordinated has always been important to me. I had bought a pair of what I thought were gray pants, only to find out many months later that they actually were olive green. I had been wearing a lot of red with them, and was convinced they were gray – at least until T pointed out they were green. I said, “No way!” But then, holding up a gray shirt to them, I could see that they were indeed green! So now when in doubt, I ask “What color is this?”
It was not until after my dad passed away that I really started gravitating towards the color red. Red was my dad’s favorite color. Mine had always been blue. But it was becoming increasingly harder for me to see all the different shades of blue. Red however is still a very bright and vivid color for me to see. So at first, quite unintentionally I started buying more red everything, from shirts to shorts, to earmuffs and scarves. Even a bright red winter coat! I’m sure it’s because it is the one color that really does catch my eye! Soon my closet began to fill with brightly colored red clothing – not necessarily a bad thing as I look pretty good in red.
But not only did I like to wear red, I started buying T red clothes too! When she wears her red shirts or hooded sweatshirts I can find her a lot easier in crowds, and it’s harder for her to sneak up on me! She will usually wear red when I am running in a race, making it easier for me to find her after I’m done running. But to be honest, she usually finds me first!
Not only do I love the color red now, it never fails to remind me of my dad, and that always bring a smile to my face.
How ‘bout it?
-Vision Runner
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Tags: blind runner, color coordinated, Retinitis Pigmentosa, RP, running blind, vision loss, Vision Runner
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
What a lovely post and what a lovely tribute to your Dad. I was reading a book tonight for my work about a particular religious sect who don’t allow their members to wear any red or have any red cars – wouldn’t that be dreadful?
June 9th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
[...] course this monumental event called for a new outfit. I knew I wanted to wear red for sure as I like red, plus there’s the psychological edge it gives to wear a fast color. But I was having trouble [...]
June 18th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Mel…
Thanks for your comments! And yes —that would be horrible to be unable to have the vibrancy of red in your life…
I love your blog. You write well and are so personable. We’ve been learning our own lessons about surrender here lately…
so I know how hard that is… thanks again!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Runner Insight » Seeing Red…
The challenges of being a blind runner… When I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa back in 1997, one of the first things I started to notice along with my decreased vision, was my loss of the ability to perceive colors the way I used to….