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

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Connecting

I had a lovely evening connecting with a group of beautiful women. The love in the room was incredible. I shared my journey in 20 minutes and really longed to hear theirs. I was glad for social time afterwards to get to visit. One of the questions raised was what is the hardest thing for you right now? I said connecting -- you know those little signs you might get when you see someone is ready to give you a hug ... or a handshake. I miss those. Yesterday, I had a sweet young client who was making an attempt to give me a hug and I missed it. I received a clue from her mom and the moment was not totally missed. We hugged. You know that smile from across the room that you may give someone as you make eye contact. I miss those. Tonight someone commented on how focused I was on the conversation and was looking right at where they were. I explained how you hear their voice and just look up above that to make 'eye contact' which we know is so important in that connection.
We tested the location of the harness and stitches - right on top.  Sigh .. heal soon, my dear friend. 
Some connecting moments that touched me ... an older woman came up to me that was losing her eye sight. We hugged as she shared how difficult it was for her at this time. I told her I could understand.  I wished we had more time together.  Perhaps. 

A woman came up to me and told me her father had been blind and how she appreciated those people that were her father's friends. I told her the appreciation that my family has for my friendships as well.

One woman said 'you make blindness seem doable.'  I laughed.  I hope the message they got was that indeed it is doable.  There are days .. there are moments ... there are frustrations ... where it is something to be dealt with but not a big deal. 

Tomorrow I have my next lesson with my iphone and ipad.  Last time I had such an empowering experience where it clicked for me.  I thought there really is going to come a time where I am fast and efficient on this phone .. just you wait and see! 

Off to bed.  Running in the morning.  Dreaming of running through the tulips in April for our 1/2 marathon at Thanksgiving Point.  It will be beautiful.    Did I tell you about losing my tether?  It was a little frantic the other morning and then we quickly pulled out a replacement.  Guess where Steve found it - by the sink.  He tells me it is easy to be my hero :).  Running is a time of connecting, and I love that. 

6 comments:

Myrna R. said...

I know that you connect with your heart now, and that's big.

I know what you mean though. I sometimes startle my mother, who cannot see when I'm approaching her to hug or give a kiss. And now she can make no connection to any of the other residents in the nursing home. She only responds to someone initiating contact.

Infrequent Flyers said...

Sounds like you connected wonderfully with so many people last night. I'm sure you touched so many hearts.

Wow, that's a big incision on Cricket, and an even bigger rectangle that they cut around it! I hope she heals up quickly. On another note, that blue sweater looks so fantastic on you, Becky--you look gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

"Connecting" -- most likely one of the least used words today. You do it so well, my friend. I will do it better. Thanks for the sweet reminder of things that really matter!

wendy said...

Connecting is VERY crucial I think, to a healthy relationship with people and just the whole value of that feeling.
Connecting...is Grounding. Security for me.

My husband's uncle's wife (got that?) just found out that she is going blind. She is only 63. Must be quite frightening for her I would imagine.

Poor Cricket...those stitches. WOW.

running through the tulips sounds absolutely wonderful to me right now.

wendy said...

Connecting is VERY crucial I think, to a healthy relationship with people and just the whole value of that feeling.
Connecting...is Grounding. Security for me.

My husband's uncle's wife (got that?) just found out that she is going blind. She is only 63. Must be quite frightening for her I would imagine.

Poor Cricket...those stitches. WOW.

running through the tulips sounds absolutely wonderful to me right now.

Unknown said...

OH, Cricket, we're sending you lots of get well soon wishes. Wowzers, that is a long scar!

So happy to hear the evening of inspiration was such a special one of connecting as well. Those moments when individuals make connections who didn't know each other previously are ones that shape our lives. It's beautiful!