Making the decision to use a white cane, shouldn't be that hard, but for a lot of people, it is, myself included. Pride and vanity get in the way, although in my case it may have been stupidity. I just didn't think I needed one. I thought I could see quite well, thank you very much. I found out one day how wrong I was.

I was in the local mall, shopping with my wife, one day, when I needed to go to the men's room. I left her in the supermarket, while I went to relieve myself. In this particular mall, there was a skylight (one of a VIPs' worst enemies). I was walking along, and happened to walk into the lighted area, of course I was temporarily blinded, when I felt someone bang into my shoulder. Once I regained my limited vision, I saw a little old lady holding her mouth.  I couldn't apologize enough.

I went back to tell my wife what had happened, but before I could, she asked what was that on my shoulder. When I looked down, all I saw was a set of lipstick prints, from the poor lady's mouth, on my white shirt. That was when I decided it was time to start using a white cane, not so much for my benefit, but to let other people know that I couldn't see very well, and that they'd better get out of my way.

So, when should you start using a white cane? If you have to ask yourself that question, then I think it should be real soon. Even if it is just to let others know that you don't see very well.