Reminiscing

We were recently out to dinner with some friends. As conversations do one topic led to another and somehow the conversation turned to my ergo harness on Cricket's back to our 3-month event with my broken arms: (picture below is of me with my two lovely red casts on my arms - year 2000 at DisneyWorld). Steve and I were invited to be on a panel of adjusting to blindness as a couple during this summer in Florida. Needless to say the red casts were somewhat of a distraction.
We laughed reminiscing this time. (Its really funny NOW). I can still remember the gratitude I felt when these casts came off and I was able to feed myself (and everything else) once again. Just as if you closed your eyes and thought oh my I couldn't do this if I was blind, if the use of my arms/hands had been permanent I would of learned adaptive skills to manage my life. My arms were broken on TWO separate ocassions (10 days apart). I remember maneuvering on the bus with one broken arm and my guide thinking this is so awful ... I learned it could get worse - as a week later I was in two casts and couldn't maneuver my guide or go to work.

I learned so much during this 3-month period and gained such an appreciation for the little things in life. Steve helped in every way. My hair was cut real short so he just had to part it and comb. I started running that summer (with a tether connected to Steve's arm) and it kept me sane. It was something I could do that didn't require use of my hands. Thanks C & D for a lovely evening and a reminder of this adventure - hadn't thought about this journey for a while. And, I am so grateful for the Guide Dog Ergo Harness that I use. The regular harness was causing a lot of pain in my left arm - thanks to this fabulous harness, we can walk for miles.
(Picture above we are stopped at a downcurb. Cricket is waiting for me to say forward so we can proceed. If it is not safe, she will not heed the forward command. Good girl, Crickers)