My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Summer Nights with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Night blindness is typically the first sign of Retinitis Pigmentosa.  I've never seen the stars and when I had useable vision - nighttime was a time that I came inside.  I recall when I still drove - restricted driver's license - no night driving, my daughter and I were out on a little mommy/daughter date.  We knew we had to be home before dark.  A storm came in and it got dark unexpectedly.  Funny, I don't remember how we got home ... if we waited out the storm or called Steve to come pick us up.  I do remember at that time, darkness = some anxiousness.   Fast forward to the first night of walking with our guide dogs in Gresham, Oregon.  That is the night I learned to trust fully my guide dog and suddenly night time - darkness did not scare me. I felt empowered. It happened with Pantera on a first time level that was truly amazing. Then, it happened again, with Cricket. I didn't need to come in at dark, anymore.

I love summer nights.  Sometimes they are filled with a bike ride, sometimes sitting out on the deck and talking, sometimes working at the office and tonight watering our flowers that didn't get their drink this morning.

This morning, they missed their morning watering because I was able to go running - such a blessing in my life with Brenda, then Cricket and I went walking with Shannon, Layla, and Kashi .(Can I just say, I would love to start my day each day with this combo)then visiting teaching , then work - nice 1/2 day, back to one more visiting teaching appointment and now watering our flowers.  Our daylillies are getting close to bursting!  Amazing.  Also, amazing that this old shirt and newer skirt match.  Steve tells me they look like they were meant to be together :).  I seem to pull out yellow when I am feeling happy and also when I want to bring in some optimism.  Today it is a bit of both.

6 comments:

Maryissewfast said...

Nice post Becky! So many first time guide dog handlers fear that first night route, but that is one of the most empowering routes (next to the good ol' traffic route!). We have a new frozen yogurt shop in Gresham now...great night route destination!

Beth and Alfie said...

So beautiful. Give Cricket an extra hug, she's amazing. :-)

Natalie | Make Today Great said...

Oh, how Cricket has blessed our lives!

I LOVE that skirt. Chevrons are so in right now.

Becky Andrews said...

Mary - New yogurt stop, yummy! Hope its a few more years til we make that journey :).
Beth - just gave cricket an extra hug :).
Natalie - I almost added "and I will wear this skirt to San Diego next week and it might not make it home :).

S.DAY said...

I MUST have that skirt! I LOVE it!
And don't be mad and no offense to Brenda... but I WILL admit that I got a twinge of jealousy when I read that you went running. Ah! I miss our runs. Our walks are good we just need 5 more a week and we'd be set!

Infrequent Flyers said...

You seem to have such a nice routine to your days. I agree, starting the day with a walk/run just seems to make the day go smoother. I love that chevron skirt, too. It seems like it would have been hard to match, so you're fortunate to have found just the right top for it!