Thank you Ann Taylor

I had the privilege of spending the morning at Ann Taylor in City Creek. They welcomed me and Cricket with open arms with their warmth and kindness and yummy treats. We spent an hour sharing our story and answering questions. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to returning to their store. They are on 'our team'.

My birthday is around the corner so it couldn't have come at a better time to return. Steve can feel like he can go in there and get amazing assistance on finding a fun new outfit for me :)! I will wear their clothes not only because I love them, but they will represent a journey of growth, learning and forgiveness.

Seriously, it was a very healing experience to be so welcomed, have them acknowledge and make such an effort. Thank you! They tell me it is in to wear polka dots and stripes together! Cricket and I look forward to returning and hope if you love Ann Taylor, you will give them another chance. I sure hope for second chances.

On our way

We are about ready to leave to go to City Creek - Ann Taylor. Can you believe all our snow! Steve often wears something special of his dad's when he goes to an important event where he wants that little extra 'support'. I love this skirt that Steve gave me for Christmas with Natalie's help. They will be there in spirit cheering me on. I also love to put on my pantera/cricket charm bracelet. We have been through much as 'teams'. I also have on my See Beautiful necklace that I love! This turquoise sweater is old but it also has good memories. It reminds me of sitting down with the department head in my master's program and telling him my dream of having a private practice. He cheered me on :). In the basket are educational materials from Guide Dogs for the Blind. I look forward to sharing and perhaps even having one of them put on a pair of goggles and learn how you can navigate with a cane ... and a guide dog. Fun :)!

Have a great weekend!

Such Goodness

A week ago I had a  a difficult experience.   In that moment I felt so alone.  In the past week I have been amazed at the outpouring of support.  I am inspired by the goodness that has abounded.   Because of so many examples, I am reminded to not just sit back when something happens to someone else that isn't okay, but to take a stand.  Our voice matters.  Thank you to those who shared the important message of the Americans with Disabilities Act with others.  Thank you to all who let me know that inspite of preferring to be quiet, encouraged me to take a stand to speak out - to be a voice.  This wasn't about me - this was about all of us.  Accessibility.  Respect. Equality.  It is for each of us.  I am determined to make a further difference.   

I wish we could all sit outside and enjoy some  lemonade on this beautiful Friday afternoon and celebrate that hopefully in light of this difficult experience some good has come with much work to be done.  We have heard from long-time friends, previous colleagues, strangers that have reached out that now feel like friends. Seeing the numbers that read the various blogs lifted us, and it is our hope that further education will benefit many happened. Each of your comments brightened our day and helped us to continue to be assertive.

Updates:  Ann Taylor has reached out.  I have spent much time talking with them and helping them understand the seriousness of the mistakes not just for me but for so many others.  I explained how disheartening it was for people to take the time from their busy lives to submit a comment and then to have a incorrect response back from their headquarters.   They have acknowledged they made some big mistakes.  They are working on making that right through future education to their employees and giving back to an incredible organization. I encouraged them to spread the message to all their employees and pay it forward.   I hope I have more to share as real results and action happen.

Some of you have asked about Cricket.  In the KSL clip, she is walking with a pink bandage on her foot.  She tore her nail last Saturday evening and had a minor surgery to take care of the problem.  She is recovering and doing very well.  Thanks for your love for her, too.  She is an incredible soul and guide dog.

Tonight we went out to dinner.  After taking our orders, the waiter said the manager will be over.  For a minute, I experienced panic uh oh, would I be asked to leave!  Of course not!  He didn't even make a comment about my guide dog.  No big deal, she was lying under the table. The manager was coming over to scratch off our card to learn how much savings we would get on our dinner :).  I smiled as I enjoyed my strawberry lemonade!  I also recognized it will take some time for me to settle back in and remember that indeed Cricket and I have the right to follow our dreams in so many ways including entering any stores that we choose.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Thank you again.  I hope there is more good to share soon.

Finding Lemonade

Today I had the opportunity to be interviewed and share my experience with KSL  about Ann Taylor on Friday. I emphasized that I live my life turning lemons into lemonade. Inspite of this being a very difficult experience, I wanted simply to make sure those employees were educated so that the next time someone entered their store with a guide dog or another service animal they would be welcomed and treated with respect. Simple. Unfortunately, Ann Taylor has issued a response to those who have advocated on my behalf that is totally incorrect. They have indicated that I entered the store without my dog in harness. Absolutely absurd!   I am so disheartened that they have misrepresented what is the truth. I am blind and require the aid of a guide dog or a cane by my side to walk independently. To make it very clear I walked into the store with my guide dog in harness, of course! Why would I enter the store without her in her harness?  I am so very grateful for the beautiful blessing of a guide dog that allows me to travel independently. I am so grateful for the Americans with Disabilities Act that allows me to have access to places that serve the public - guaranteed. These are privileges that I appreciate each day of my life.  

 I have had so many valuable experiences of turning a difficult experience in the past to one of education.  I still would be more than happy to take some time and educate the employees further about the Americans with Disabilities Act and the beauty of a guide dog.  Yes I walked in confident to the store, BECAUSE I was holding on to the harness of my guide dog.  She is my eyes and gives me the joy of not having to worry about each obstacle.  I put my trust in her and can hold my head up high - look in the direction where someone is speaking and enjoy the joys of independence which includes finding some fun clothes with a helpful associate.  

In finding the humor, I sat there being interviewed in one of my favorite Ann Taylor blouses.  I must say this skirt from Banana Republic is becoming a new favorite.  I love how the associate at BR was telling me all the fun things it could go with in my closet.  She even asked me do you have a fun print belt?  Yes!  


I am not sure what I will do with all my Ann Taylor clothes.  I know right now I have a really sad feeling about them.  I want to support a place that is respectful and speaks the truth.   Deeply saddened that not only did they treat me in such a discriminatory way asking me to leave more than once but now they have indicated my guide dog was not in her harness.

Simply put - Cricket was in her harness working as a guide dog and I simply entered the store hoping to find a fun outfit when I was asked to leave more than once because of my dog.  I explained she was my guide dog and even offered to show my identification.

What is the lemonade in this journey?  Support.  Thank you.  Education on blindness and guide dogs.   I am an active wife, mother, friend, professional, runner, cyclist, and yes, shopper.  Each day is a gift and I don't have time to spend on negative energy.  I am still hopeful that Ann Taylor Senior Management will choose to take responsibility, speak the truth, and educate their employees so that this does not happen to another customer.