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, July 10, 2012

Amazingly Beautiful

Home Sweet Home. We are getting back into our routine after an amazing vacation.  The time flew by as we spent 16 days touring Europe.  Each new day was an adventure in so many ways :).   I was asked on several ocassions -- how do you enjoy travelling without vision?  I can't wait to tell you the many ways I enjoyed travelling with this amazing guy :) and an incredible group on our tour.    
St. Petersburg, Russia

One of the many sweet memories I will treasure is in St. Petersburg in the WC (restroom).  Each restroom was a unique experience with different set ups in where things were located.  I was searching for the sink.  A woman took a hold of my hand in kindness.  We didn't speak the same language and so it took me a few moments to understand what she was doing.  She proceeded to guide my hands to the soap, sink, and then towels.  She waited until I had completed the whole process and walked out with me until I met up with Steve. Language of kindness is universal. 

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I LOVE this post! I believe with my whole heart that kindness in universal. You share a kind heart in the very way you live your life. No wonder someone in Russia would reach out to you and take your hand in kindness! I'm so happy for you to be able to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip like this. Way to go and welcome home to the U.S.

Lacey said...

So amazing! Cannot wait to hear all about it! Glad you had a wonderful time. You deserve it after all the many trials you have had the month previous to leaving! I'm sure it is bittersweet getting back in to routine at home.

Myrna R. said...

I'm so glad you had fun and experienced the kindness of the universe. Welcome back home.

wendy said...

OH MY...how beautiful is that. Such a loving act on behalf of that "stranger"
A trip through Europe. AMAZING.
I have been told (from some who have traveled there) that St. Petersburg is one of the MOST beautiful places on earth.
What do you think?

jennohara said...

Wow, I love the restroom story!
So glad you had an amazing time.

Becky Andrews said...

Ah, your comments are so kind :)! Wendy - we did love St. Petersburg even though we had some rain and our bus broke down ... a story for another day :)!

Retired Duo said...

I was so touched by the story of the Russian woman who helped you in the restroom. The words may not have been understood, but the kindness most certainly was.

Unknown said...

So glad you're home! I have chills of language being universal. I think it also highlights how seeing beautiful is universal too! LOVE THIS and LOVE that you're home with lots of great stories to share with us.

Jaxon said...

What a beautiful story! God Bless that lovely woman a million time over.

Since your AT story I've been reading on the internet how to help someone with limited vision if I'm ever able. For instance-- that if guiding someone I'll be more helpful if I let them place their hand on my arm rather than taking hold of theirs. Now I'm just looking forward to some day being able to use what I've learned.

Silly maybe, but your story made me want to be able to help appropriately.

Becky Andrews said...

Jaxon - I am so touched by your taking the time to learn sighted guide and other ways you can be helpful. Truly incredible. Thank you - I hope our paths cross sometime :)!

Jaxon said...

Me too!

Mimi said...

This story brought tears to my eyes. Amazing how such a small act of kindness can mean so much.