I take my cane everywhere with me. Even though it does nothing to help steady my gait or help me to walk. It's simply there so others don't jump to the conclusion that I drank my lunch. It's a hassle and I dislike having to carry it around but unfortunately people tend to jump to conclusions quickly rather than assume someone has a medical issue.

I felt the same way in May at my son's wedding. It was an outdoor wedding and the area we had to walk was so uneven. I have trouble walking on perfectly flat land so this was a true test of endurance for me! But I had fun and really didn't even think about what others thought. And, to be honest, they were having too much fun to even notice me!