From a very young age, it was obvious that there was a serious problem with my vision. The eye specialist made it quite clear that I would almost certainly be blind within a few years. I had high hopes of a career in journalism, but that idea was never going to happen. I lived at home until I was twenty-five years old, then, at my request, I was allocated a small flat which was warden-controlled. My parents took care of the costs.
For the first time in my life, I had full independence and a guide dog who I called Jamie. I was told that he was a golden labrador aged six. He was not only my eyes but my constant companion and best friend. I tried to go out for a walk most days, but it was difficult at times, especially during the winter months.
Jamie would often sleep on top of my bed, which was something I found to be reassuring. Music was really the main thing for me and also audiobooks. Although I was on my own, My parents were only a phone call away. I found it so strange to start with, but I had a carer who came to see me most days. His name was Andrew Harrison and he was a retired school teacher.
Andrew explained that he had been a carer for about seven years, and all his patients were blind. I liked him, his frequent visits were something that I looked forward too. He gave me lots of advice about making things easier for me. One of those things was not bothering getting dressed, and then at bedtime getting undressed, but to just wear my dressing gown. Made a lot of sense.
My new-found freedom gave me the opportunity to explore things that I had never done, but I had a serious mental blockage. I was only allowed to take showers under Andrews's supervision. The reason for this was obvious, had I attempted it on my own and slipped I could easily have injured myself.
Sometimes at my request, Andrew would wash the parts of me that were difficult to reach. He was a professional carer and very trustworthy. That night, when I was tucked up in my bed with Jamie on top of the duvet, I began to have strange but rather welcoming thoughts.
I did wonder just what Andrew may have been thinking when he was not only watching me enjoying the feeling of the warm shower water cascading over my nakedness, but also his thoughts when he was washing my back. I rather liked the feeling of his hands.
In time, Andrew became more and more helpful to me in a very discreet and private way. I was beginning to discover things for the first time. He took great delight after my shower in wrapping me up in a big soft towel and drying me rather slowly. I liked that.