Member-only story
I Tried to Help a Visually Impaired Person and Of Course It Was Awkward
A story in which I once again learn nothing
This story is both a humble-brag and also not that flattering on me, so take it for what it’s worth.
I was in line at the NoFrills yesterday, behind a youngish, visually impaired man and his companion, who was helping him buy groceries.
When I finished paying for my spinach and fizzy water, the sighted man was still bagging their purchases on checkout conveyor belt one, while I went around to conveyor belt two to load mine. That positioned me almost directly in front of the man with the white cane, who was facing towards me.
It was apparent that he had no vision at all, and I didn’t want him to walk into me, since the person assisting him was several feet away and occupied with packing groceries.
“Excuse me, sir,” I said, “I’m standing in front of you and slightly to your left.”
“No problem,” he said. “Thank you for seeing me.”
A short pause while I reflected self-importantly on my own virtue. When you’re as progressive as I am, you know that ‘seeing’ someone is the best thing you can do for them.
The man spoke again in a more solemn tone. “I just wish I could see you.”
