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

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Our last flight.

Cricket and I had meetings in San Francisco this past week. Our flight over was quite delightful. Prior to boarding a little girl and her mom were interested in Cricket and asking many questions. I then got on the plane and a few minutes later heard a little girl crying a row back. It turns out this same little girl, age 6, was flying alone and now had left her mom and was feeling very sad. The flight attendant asked if she could come sit by me. I said certainly and she sat down and we began to talk. She began to get settled and was feeling happier. We shared our peanuts and pretzels and talked about life :). Halfway through the flight she said - what is your name - I like you. She then told me We could be friends and did I want to join her club? Next meeting is at her treehouse in her backyard! We landed and the flight attendant took over to help her get to the family member that would pick her up at the airport. As I was walking through the airport I heard this little voice say Hug. Then again a Becky, Hug. I turned around and there she was with her family. We hugged. Very sweet. I went on my way. Grateful for the lessons learned from a six year old that day -- share, be open to making new friends, and show gratitude and love.

Cricket did wonderful at the airport and getting us to the hotel. As we walked out the first evening she walked very slow. I recognized that she was really done. As much as I had hoped she was up for two more trips, she let me know this will be our last flight together with her as my guide. We were super busy with her having lots of time to sleep during meetings so it didn't fully hit me until we were back at the airport to return home. We went out to our grassy spot for her to relieve. I took off her harness and the tears came. She came to my side and gave me a big kiss to wipe away my tears. I hugged her tight and whispered I love you Crickers. Thank you.   I put her harness back on and we walked into the airport to catch our final flight home.

6 comments:

Lablove said...

My thoughts are with you and your loving, amazing partner. What a girl!

GOOSE said...

Words escape me. You and Cricket are of course apart of me and MOM's thoughts and prayers. And isn't amazing (and it shouldn't be) what children can teach us or remind us what matters.
Blessings,
Goose

pattib said...

This brought tears to my eyes. Hugs to you and Cricket!

3 labs 4 me said...

Gosh, love you both. I will never forget our special day at the Oregon Fall Luncheon with Cricket sharing the stage with us. A life changing experience for me.
xoxo

Karen said...

Just wrote before I read blog - I am shedding tears too. Cricket has been so awesome for a goodly number of years and our thanks to her and to Guide Dogs can never be enough. Love you Mom and dad

Lacey said...

Love you Becky! Thinking of you lots!