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, November 30, 2011

Open Doors. Retinitis Pigmentosa.

I recently was asked So what does a guide dog mean to you?  I was surprised as I started to cry.  In that moment I couldn't quite put it into words.  Let me try. 

Fifteen years ago as my husband was ready to leave for work, I sat on the steps of our home, our two children still sleeping and told him I feel trapped.  I had lost most of my vision to retinitis pigmentosa and had gone from being an active person to cautiously, slowly walking only where I needed to go.  In that moment I saw only the doors that had closed in my life.

As I ask Cricket to 'find the door', I am so grateful for the many doors that a guide dog has opened up in my life.  It really is hard to put into words.  Its easier to just be living and loving life thanks to a guide dog!  What I recognize too is that a guide dog has opened my life for the times when she isn't by my side, too.  The sense of passion and excitement with a guide dog has become a part of my life in  other aspects.   As I tell clients ... a small victory spills (I use high vocabularly :) into other areas of our lives.   This morning I ran 2 - 5Ks with two friends at different times to make a 10K.  I absolutely loved it.  I recognize that in training with my first guide .. the trainers were incredible to think outside the box in different challenges.  It was a message of I can do it -- let's get creative on how.  Thank you! 

I am so grateful for those who support Guide Dogs for the Blind in so many ways.

Oh the magic of a little puppy! The caption belowfrom GDB warmed my heart.  I am so grateful for the connection of not only a guide dog but the many wonderful people in the Guide Dog community that have blessed our family.

4 comments:

Infrequent Flyers said...

I think you're ready to give your speech. That was awesome.

Lacey said...

That was perfect...I can so relate with that "trapped" feeling! Those days definitely come around for me....lots better now. So glad to have you as a friend and you are such an inspiration to me. You always give me hope that my life is still great and I can always do whatever I want to do...without letting blindness get in my way. Thank you Becky! Love you!

Erin said...

LOVE this Becky! I know I sound like a broken record, but you are such an inspiration. You inspire me to try harder and be a better person. And to not let any obstacle get in the way of living a full life. You are amazing.

p.s. I want a guide dog!! :)

Beth and Alfie said...

Beautiful!! May there be many, may open doors ahead for you and Cricket to 'find' together! :-)