Blind people can use other senses

I was walking home one evening during that annoying “in-between” phase of twilight that offers no contrast. It makes it quite difficult for me to spot curbs and obstacles, but I had my cane to help.

I was stood at the edge of a road I crossed frequently, ears pricked.  I usually use my hearing to cross this road, but it was a bit later than usual this time and there was a lot of background noise from people in the pub over the road;  it was taking me a little longer than usual to decide if it was safe.

I detected footsteps behind me. They stopped at the edge of the road next to me. I felt an arm brush mine, sweeping in the direction of the road. The owner of the arm loudly stomped onto the road.

I followed.

My cane picked up the curb on the other side of the road and I was fine. The footsteps remained slow for a little while,  but then sped off ahead of me.

Thank you to the kind stranger that felt no need to shout instructions at me, grab me by the arm, or leave me there endlessly. He let me use the senses I’ve got rather than forcing me to trust a stranger to do it for me.