In 2007 some friends and I did a cross country trail ride for Stroke Awareness and the value of Early Detection of strokes. We rode our horses from Ventura, California to Magnolia, Arkansas, a total of more than 1500 miles. Horses and riding were my life. I was 56 years old. Six months after I returned, I lost my sight. Along with my sight, I lost my identity. I could tell you all the things I wasn't anymore, but had no idea who I was. I lost my job, my ability to do the things I loved so much... I lost my independence and my self confidence was shattered. The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is my new journey down the path of blindness. I went to school the first five months of 2009 to learn adjustment to blindness. In October I leave for a month in California at Guide Dogs for America to receive and train for a month with my new Guide Dog. It has been a challenge to accept my blindness, search for a way to be productive and independent and most importantly, to be an inspiration to others. I have decided that blindness is only a slight detour on my journey through life. I have new goals and a determination to overcome this challenge. My confidence is returning, I am finding that sight is only one small way to see the world... In spite of my loss of vision, the world is a beautiful place and life is good. Andi Mills