IG: @azure.wolfe
Where are you from?
Virginia
Where do you live now?
Utah
Tell me about yourself.
I’ve lived in Utah most of my life and I always love being outside. Anything backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, or running. Several years ago I added yoga to my activities and became a teacher. I now host retreats and guide people into loving their lives on a deeper level. I enjoy building and being part of an expanding community.
What's your eye story?
I’ve had type 1 diabetes for 41 years. You may have heard that long-standing diabetes can affect vision, especially when there is unmanaged blood sugar. During my teen years, I was very rebellious and ignored my diabetic body and its needs. That caught up to me at the age of 34. I had diabetic retinopathy in both eyes which needed extensive care. A lot of it came on suddenly. After almost a year of surgeries, I lost all vision in my right eye. My left eye healed rapidly, and shortly thereafter, I started to resume my normal active lifestyle with a body that had been in hibernation for quite a while.
What has been the most challenging thing mentally?
In my mind, the hardest thing is when I get attached to the thought of losing my other eye. Honestly, it just reminds me to see everything clearly right now.
What has been the most challenging thing physically?
I don’t have much depth perception so it challenges me when I am mountain biking, skiing, or doing other related activities. I’ve wrecked several times due to impaired vision but it hasn’t stopped me.
Where are you now in your recovery?
I’ve been stable in my left eye for 12 years. This whole journey opened my eyes - or eye - to a totally different perception of life. I’m grateful for all that I see and experience.
[Edited for clarity by @jacobfromutah]
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