A Ponoka woman who has long been the facilitator for a support group for those with vision loss has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Offering a source of support and fellowship, the Ponoka Whitecaners Support Group is going strong after three decades in the community. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at St. Mary’s Anglican Church hall, starting at 1:15 p.m. (except for July and August).
Boman started with the group almost right from the get-go after it had been set up under the umbrella of CNIB.
She has found these gatherings to be a constant source of support during her own journey as well.
As retired teacher who hails originally from Australia, she experienced a sudden and profound loss of vision in 1986.
"I came to Canada, and this is where I met my husband Lyle - here in Ponoka when we were both teaching. At that point in time, I was fully sighted. There were no issues with my sight at all.
"Then, in 1986, my sight changed basically overnight. I had to make a very quick adjustment to what not seeing meant. It was devastating. It was confusing. It was frightening, and I really couldn't see the path before me - literally as well as figuratively."
She recalls one of the hardest things was not being able to drive anymore - a huge challenge with young kids. But the family made do - an emphasis on planning became a more essential aspect of day-to-day life.
"We learned about supporting each other - and that is exactly how I got through those first years."
Sue didn't stop teaching until 1992. And then there was something of a fork in the road. "When I stopped teaching, that was another major blow - another time of grieving. But I think it was after that I really started to accept what it all was. I also realized there were other doors opening to me; other avenues that I could explore."
That was when she started with the Whitecaners. She also began speaking at other support groups around Alberta, too.
At that point, she also became increasingly interested in writing. She has since penned four books, with two being specifically about vision loss.
But a true highlight was when she and Lyle embarked on a series of walks across Canada with the goal of raising awareness about the experiences of partially-sighted people, and how others can lend a supportive hand.
Setting out from the west coast in the spring of 2012, they would stop in more than 80 communities.
'White Cane Connections' proved to be a life-changing and fulfilling journey of reaching out. It was also to build the awareness of white canes, and to connect with those who were using them. Within a year, they ended the trek in Newfoundland.
"It was a big commitment, and it was the best thing. I really felt connected, and I felt I had made a difference," she said. "And I couldn't have done it without Lyle, obviously," she added. "It was an awesome experience.
"I wanted to connect with others who were struggling with vision loss, and anybody who was a part of the vision loss community. I also wanted to bring an awareness to the sighted community of what white canes are all about."
As to receiving the King Charles medal, Boman was thrilled for the honour. She was nominated by the CNIB, and the organization's executive director Craig Peterson was onhand to make the presentation.
But she doesn't see it as being solely for her. It's truly a community kind of thing.
"There is a bond we have, and we come together with those connections," she said. "Being a part of it is the biggest thing. I feel privileged to hear the stories that others tell me. I feel this is such a blessing in my life."
During the recent meeting, she told those gathered that she also couldn't have imagined that one day, she'd be speaking about adventures she has had over the years.
"Vision loss - instead of closing a door for me - actually opened many doors. I feel so privileged I have been able to do the things that I have done.
"I feel strongly about advocacy. I believe in education by example, and I hope I exemplify that. That is my aim. And my thanks goes to everyone who has supported me along the way - in particular my family," she added.
"I still do not see the path before me literally, but I do imagine now that I am on the right path. I can feel it. I 'see' the billboards along the way - 'keep walking', 'you go, girl!'
"Also, 'share your story'."
Those in attendance were quick to show their deep appreciation for Sue in return.
"Sue, on behalf of each of us, we have grown to love you immensely. And that tenacity within you has been a really good example for each of us in our own sight difficulties," said Lynn Houcher, who helps Sue facilitate the group.
"We can come here and know we are loved and cared for by each other. So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the past three decades."
To keep up with Sue's ongoing adventure, find her blog at www.whitecaneconnections.blogspot.com.
