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

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Love GDB

I love Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Cricket and I returned last night from a couple amazing days there.  Sixteen years ago my life was blessed tremendously by this amazing organization when I was placed with my first guide, Pantera.  Other than during the transition between my two guides and a few vacations that my guides didn't join,  I have picked up the harness every day for 16 years and said Pantera/Cricket Forward.  Recently, at a very special event I was able to thank some of the amazing donors that made this beautiful new Student Residence possible. Oh sad, no pictures of that beautiful event!  I wore my new red dress that I love :)!  The picture below is Cricket sitting in one of the free run play areas.  The details that were put in place to make this a lovely residence so comfortable and accessible to someone who is blind is amazing.

This wall is inspiring to me.  I know my iphone picture doesn't really give a sense of what this amazing wall is like.  Back when the building was in the planning stages, an invitation was sent out inviting grads to share a special rock.  These rocks were then assembled on this wall in braille and are two Helen Keller quotes!  Alone we can do so little - together we can do so much.  The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart.  
We were able to attend a graduation which also was the ribbon cutting of this beautiful new Student Residence.  We sat towards the back so we could catch our shuttle to the airport.  
It happened that a friend I have known for years was graduating this day with his first guide!  Very cool and congratulations to Bryan and his guide Tommy.  I wish them many wonderful years together.  
I wish everyone could attend a Guide Dogs for the Blind Graduation. 
You will: 
 Be Inspired.  Feel Love.  Sense incredible Commitment.  Witness amazing volunteerism and service.  See deep Gratitude.

Before it started, Steve texted me and said It's okay to cry!  And I did :).  Tears of gratitude for these amazing instructors, puppy raisers, volunteers, and everyone that it takes to create this new team.  As one student stated ... It takes a village.  Excitement for these graduates and their future.  

While I was away, an opening came available for Steve to have his knee surgery.  Thank you to our amazing kids who took such great care of him.  He is healing and hopefully will be back doing the things he/we love in 6 weeks.  

6 comments:

GOOSE said...

Simply beautiful and amazing. MOM love that rock wall.
Blessings,
Goose

Brittany said...

Oh man! This post makes me want to go down to see the campus! I love the wall and the grass runs. Maybe I will have to go down for fun day next year.

Infrequent Flyers said...

Wow, the new residences look amazing! How wonderful to have fenced dog areas right outside the doors. So glad you had a good time, AND that Steve was getting his surgery at the same time. How perfect! Good thing he didn't come down to San Rafael with you. Hope he's recovering quickly.

Anonymous said...

That wall is amazing. I hope recovery goes well for your husband.

wendy said...

I bet that would be an emotional graduation for you to be a part of.
That wall is amazing.
Good luck to Steve and his recovery with his knee.

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