Village of Support

Saturday I will be running my next marathon with my two amazing friends and running guides - Brenda and Suzette.  I am so very grateful for their friendship and their willingness to run tethered with me for a full marathon.  As if running a marathon isn't enough - their willingness to also guide me is inspiring!  Love these beautiful women!  (We will miss you Melissa).

My first marathon two years ago was a wonderful experience.  We worked hard in the training and did well.  Looking back, I didn't fully appreciate the blessing of training and running a marathon without an injury!  Well, there was a concussion in there to heal from :) but otherwise simply a lot of hard work and yes, fun.  

Last year, in training for our next marathon I broke my foot on our 16-mile run.  Instead of running a marathon, I spent a couple months in a boot and further healing my seismoid fracture.  Thankfully, after three months I was back running 10K's and a half marathon.   On to this year to begin training once again for another marathon.  Just before leaving for Guide Dog for the Blind for training with my new guide, Georgie, I broke my foot (different bone)!  We were in the middle of training for the marathon.  So, instead of continuing my marathon training at GDB on the treadmill,  I spent the evenings icing my foot as it healed from the latest break.   I returned home and after a couple more weeks was able to resume running.  A couple weeks later I began to have challenges with my IT Band.  Did I need to turn in the running shoes for a while?  Oh, the balance of being driven to a goal and listening to my body's needs.  I decided I would do everything possible to run this marathon while being wise.  I also agreed that if a doctor or other professional told me not to run, I would listen to their advice.  There are other marathons ... however, this one was in place with my two friends training as well.  I have spent the last two months with a physical therapist team, a podiatrist, and an orthopedic doctor as well as awesome friends helping me reach the point where I am excited and ready to run the marathon on Saturday.  I have been inspired by the professionals who have believed in me and have done everything possible to make this happen.

We are grateful the doctor, physical therapist and podiatrist are all in the same building!  Some days have even been able to coordinate appointments.  Georgie knows the routes well to their offices!  She has learned that find the elevator means not the first one that is the freight elevator.  She has even learned the routine of machines at physical therapy.  She has learned that I'm okay while x-rays are being taken.  She has become my cheerleader waiting on the entry way rug until I return from a run.  She is part of the team!  

I don't know if the IT Band will act up at mile two, mile ten, mile twenty or not at all.  Perhaps there will be something else totally different that will flare up.  I know that I have put in the preparation and given 100% for this goal.  Whether I cross the finish line in the time we hope for or reach a point where I am injured, can't walk and have to call for help; I am grateful for the journey.  I have learned much.  I have gained a deeper appreciation for the blessing of being able to run.  I am grateful for the incredible village of support that have helped me along the way.  Husband,  forever cheering me on; doctors and physical therapists who have helped me have a 'game plan' throughout the process and amazing friends.  They have walked me back to the house when the pain flared up - been willing to stop and stretch or walk up the hills to keep the healing process going.  I recall going in to one of the doctors and telling him - I know I'm injured and I don't want to do anything crazy.  However, I really want to run the Boston Marathon for my 50th birthday and need your help to make that happen.   He said: We will support your determination.  I love that and thought ... do I support others determination?  

I have returned from each run to two yellow labs sitting on the entry rug eagerly waiting.  They will be there greeting me at the end of the marathon no matter what the outcome.  They seem to know Its about the journey and being a part of the support.

Rounding the corner back to our house.  Final run before the Marathon on Saturday with Suzette.   Steve was just pulling out and took a quick picture :).  

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.

Questions. Retinitis Pigmentosa. Guide Dogs.

Cricket and I are nearing our six-year anniversary as a team.  More to follow as we celebrate this special month :).  Cricket and I both enjoy celebrating special days and turning them into a month long of celebration and reminiscing.  Oh how I remember this adorable 19-month old pup coming to meet me with Instructor Toby!  She instantly won my heart.

Cricket and I walked home from church today and she walked directly to the garage door opener.  One of many of the joys of having a seasoned guide dog is there are many things she just knows :) one of which is we come home from church and enter through the garage.  As the door begins to go up, she waits until the door clears my head.  There may have been space for her to walk in but she is continually thinking about me and waits until it is opened all the way so I won't bang my head.

We walked out of church today and she recognized that she needed to walk slow carefully stopping at the base of each set of stairs.  They were icy and snowy.

Necklace and earrings from mom and dad (Coldwater Creek), turtleneck from Steve (Ann Taylor),  skirt from J Crew

Recently in a conversation with someone that I had just met - he indicated you don't look blind.  When this occurs, I try to spend a few minutes visiting about blindness.  I know many people that are blind ... there is not a look - we are all individuals. I explained that I had Retinitis Pigmentosa and our retina is like the film (little out of date analogy :) in the camera.  The outside of the eye, camera,  remains looking fairly healthy even while the film inside is destroyed.

He said,  well you are walking around with such confidence.  I shared with him the story of walking into the post office that I often frequented after getting my first guide.  The postmaster asked me if my vision had been corrected because I was now walking in with such confidence.  That is what a guide dog can do!  

As we were standing there, he also asked me why I wasn't hanging on to Cricket's harness.  I had the opportunity to explain that when she is sitting down and not working, I hold onto her leash.  If it had of been warmer and we both had some time, I would have loved to go for a short walk to show him further what a guide can do.    

I recently also had someone tell me that I had waved as they passed by -- did I see them.  If I hear a car pass by - I simply smile and wave.  I hold the hymn book with Steve even though I don't read the words of the music.  Its still fun to enjoy holding the book and singing together.  There are some things that you just do with or without sight but apparently that sometimes creates questions and presents opportunities to answer questions :) from my perspective.  

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.

Fun Fashion, Plan B, & Special Songs

My friend and I went shopping to one of her favorite stores -- All Tucked in. I was there to cheer her on and tend her kids while she found something with her gift certificate. Well, these cute little shoes were 50% off so Lisa felt like they had my name on. I think I'm going to love them!

Special evening at the Salt Lake Temple with our friends.  Can you tell it was just a little chilly and that I'm hunched over saying hurry Steve take the picture :).  Yellow and grey are the colors again!  This skirt bunches up and is just a little short so I think it will go in the pile of -- just doesn't work!  I'm trying to simplify and have hanging in my closet clothes that I love.    

Today was one of those days where I really longed to get in a car and get my to do list done.  I recognized early in the day that I needed to accept that plan was not going to happen - funny , that hasn't been the case for almost 20 years, now but sometimes sure do miss this part.  So, I got busy cleaning, organizing, decluttering some areas and getting some work done.  Cricket and I danced to our song  over and over.  I know a little sappy but she loved it and so did I. Listen to the words. It just fits.  One of my favorite lines - 'old webster could never define what's being said between your heart and mind' :) This will always be a special song for us.  As we were walking down after sharing at the Holiday Luncheon this was playing with amazing clips of guide dog teams.  Chills :).   Yes, Pantera and I also had a special   song too .

Have a great weekend!

Relating

Real posts. I really enjoy Beth's perspective and Lauren's on being married to someone who is blind. Steve and I read them together and could relate. Funny, if you notice in the comments - I commented on Beth's thinking it was a recent post and realized it was a much earlier post and I had already commented - similar comment. Some things don't change :). Its been six months since we've been on our bike! We are ready and hopeful this will be the weekend.

Attention Dog Owners

I am so saddened that two guide dog teams in Utah were recently attacked by loose dogs.  I can only imagine the trauma to both guide and handler of these teams.  From www.guidedogs.com:

Loose dogs can be a significant threat to guide dog  teams.  An attack on a guide dog can be costly in terms of veterinary care, retraining, replacement, emotional trauma and loss of mobility for the person who is blind.  Please don't take chances with others' safety.

Why are loose or aggressive dogs a liability to Guide Dog teams?  

A guide dog that is attacked or intimidated by an aggressive or unruly pet dog may become damaged or traumatized for life and be unable to work as a guide.  An attack can also take a hug emotional toll on the dog's handler.  In many states, laws are being introduced which protect Guide Dog handlers and their dogs from attack and harassment by errant dogs and people.  Irresponsible dog owners can be held financially liable for the actions of their unsupervised pets, and may be accountable for the replacement costs for the guide dog.  Under certain circumstances the pet owner can also be incarcerated for up to six months.

What are some tips for being a responsible dog owner?  


- Please do not allow your pet dog to roam freely in your neighborhood or to be unsupervised in an unfenced yard.  Educate your family about how to prevent your pet from escaping from your yard and roaming in your neighborhood.  Self-closing gates can be the answer to keeping your dog at home.
- If you have your dog on leash, make sure that he is under control.  Do not allow your dog to be walked by a person who is not strong enough to control or restrain him.
- Learn about canine behavior and take obedience classes with your pet dog.  Be sure your dog is well socialized around other animals and people.
- Be aware of your own dog's temperament and potential for biting.  Even an overly friendly pet that jumps on people or other dogs can cause serious problems.  Dogs are often territorial in their own yards, and sometimes even beyond the boundaries of their own homes.  Irresponsibility or apathy in this regard may cost you dearly!
 - When choosing a pet dog, research the breed before you bring the dog home.  Some breeds require more exercise, attention, control and leadership than others.  Although any dog or breed of dog can become aggressive, there are certain breeds that are more prone to problematic behavior than others.
- Be aware of your city and county leash laws and obey them.
- Take pride in being a responsible, intelligent, and capable pet owner.

A dog wearing a harness with a handle is at work helping its blind partner travel safely.  Please keep pets away.  Always ask before attempting to interact with a guide dog.

By law, obstructing a working guide can result in up to $50,000 in fines.  If your pet is overly friendly and regularly jumps on people or other dogs, it could cause permanent trauma or injury to a guide dog.

If you are a witness to an attack on a guide dog team, you can assist by noting the description and location of the attacking dog.  Please do your part to protect working guide dogs for the blind.

Therapist's Thoughts on Thursday

A few answers to some of the questions I am asked frequently about my profession:

What do you do? I am the business owner, director, and licensed professional counselor of an office which has nine amazing therapists, an accountant/bookkeeper and me. Our practice is in its seventh year and is busy. My favorite comments are when someone indicates - it feels so calm/serene/peaceful here. An intern recently said, I want to work in a place like this -- everyone is so nice to each other. I feel very fortunate to have such a great group of people on our team.
How does your blindness impact your work? Really very minimal - other than coordinating rides to the office and having print/detail read. There is an awareness in the office to keep things cleared. I walk out and greet my client and we go back to my office. We process their journey and Cricket is in the corner of the office. Yesterday after seeing a client for several months, I dropped a paperclip. She helped me find it and indicated - that is the first time that it has been evident to me that you can't see. Office management - I really enjoy this aspect of my job. I have a colleague that is amazing with the details and paperwork and keeps us running smooth. I love planning office events that keep us connected and supporting one another.
Are your clients blind? I spent several years working at the Moran Eye Center with patients who were blind or had a degenerative eye condition and were losing their eyesight.  I enjoyed this position very much.    For the past eight years I have worked in an agency and in my own private practice where on occasion I have had a client who was blind but 98% of my clients are not blind or visually impaired. However, I have enjoyed the clients that I get to see who might happen to be blind. My specialty is Grief/loss/trauma and work with all ages who are experiencing losses in their life. I think my youngest client has been three and my oldest 89. I also enjoy working with people who are experiencing the effects of depression and anxiety. I love implementing the work of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and Positive Psychology.
How did you go to school? Like anyone who completes an advanced degree ... lots of hard work. There were times of being creative with transportation, getting textbooks on tape (okay, I'm dating myself, I know :), readers for the tests, and simply being innovative in getting the job done. Determination and persistence are important attributes whether blind or not, in grad school. I enjoy having interns at our office to help them have experience and also encourage them that they can do it!
How did you believe you could start your own business? I am grateful to have a super supportive husband that believed in me and helped me navigate some of the business aspects of the whole process. I had a therapist call me today asking for some business input ... I laughed and said, build it and they will come. I said its hard to put into words but if you have a passion and work hard, I believe it can happen.

I had the chance to speak yesterday to two of my mentors, who are blind and to thank them for some of their past wisdom which has helped me immensely. I recognize one of the tools they gave me that has helped the most was to help me to see that blindness does not define me -- it is one of many characteristics of mine.

Dress at our office is comfortable and casual. I usually look at my schedule for the day and dress more casual if I have clients who are kids, and I might be on the floor playing. I choose a little dressier if I have a meeting or adult clients. Today was a casual day with some sessions on the floor with kids. Cricket and I enjoyed a walk up to the Market where we picked up some lovely smelling flowers for the office and eclairs for a birthday celebration. Some accessories about this outfit that I love: this little bracelet - had no idea how often I would wear it!  With all its colors, it seems to go with a lot of outfits. This necklace can be long or short, thanks Natalie for teaching me! These sandals are so comfortable. They pass the walking a few miles with Cricket test! I'm not sure if these colors go together but it just felt like a day to wear bright colors, so I did :). It was an early morning for Steve so I didn't get my visual okay from him.

Open Doors. Retinitis Pigmentosa.

I recently was asked So what does a guide dog mean to you?  I was surprised as I started to cry.  In that moment I couldn't quite put it into words.  Let me try. 

Fifteen years ago as my husband was ready to leave for work, I sat on the steps of our home, our two children still sleeping and told him I feel trapped.  I had lost most of my vision to retinitis pigmentosa and had gone from being an active person to cautiously, slowly walking only where I needed to go.  In that moment I saw only the doors that had closed in my life.

As I ask Cricket to 'find the door', I am so grateful for the many doors that a guide dog has opened up in my life.  It really is hard to put into words.  Its easier to just be living and loving life thanks to a guide dog!  What I recognize too is that a guide dog has opened my life for the times when she isn't by my side, too.  The sense of passion and excitement with a guide dog has become a part of my life in  other aspects.   As I tell clients ... a small victory spills (I use high vocabularly :) into other areas of our lives.   This morning I ran 2 - 5Ks with two friends at different times to make a 10K.  I absolutely loved it.  I recognize that in training with my first guide .. the trainers were incredible to think outside the box in different challenges.  It was a message of I can do it -- let's get creative on how.  Thank you! 

I am so grateful for those who support Guide Dogs for the Blind in so many ways.

Oh the magic of a little puppy! The caption belowfrom GDB warmed my heart.  I am so grateful for the connection of not only a guide dog but the many wonderful people in the Guide Dog community that have blessed our family.

Singletasking

Celebrating Guide Dog Month, I wanted to share something about Cricket each day. An experience today turned my attention to those times when Cricket is off duty as a guide dog. When she is on duty (harness is on - handle up and she is focused on my safety) it is so easy to forget that I am blind. I was reminded with a smack today.
Today started out to be  what my daughter, Natalie  likes to call my dream day :).  Running in the morning, then a yoga session, and our 25-mile bike ride in the evening with some family/friend time in there, too.  We had planned to still be in St. George so the day was blocked out from work appointments. An early return meant time to fit it all in.  Running this morning - ah so amazing.  Yoga - not to overuse the word amazing but indeed it was.  Then, I met my colleague Christy to finalize our details on our Mindfulness and Self-Compassion course to begin next Wednesday.  We sat out on the grass enjoying our Jamba Juice and chatting.  While she was away for a minute, Cricket and I wandered off a little ways for Cricket to do business.  Mindfulness is about embracing the joy and blessings of single tasking.  Well, I was letting Crickers be off-duty doing business while I was returning a call. Multitasking.  Smack.  I felt part of my front tooth fall into my hand.  What had I even walked into?  A part of a statue in the middle of the grass.   So my packed Thursday that was going to start at 9 am at the office will now begin at 7 am with a visit to the dentist to repair my front tooth.  I am grateful that Cricket will be on duty for the day.  And, I have an example to share with the group next week about staying in the moment and being aware of one's surroundings :).

Yes, we did still fit in a fabulous bike ride on a beautiful summer's night and a yummy lunch with friends, Shannon, Rider and Desiree.

A day with a chipped tooth, but many joyful moments, too. 

Cricket visits Zions

We had a chance to get away to St. George this weekend. We have our favorite trails we like to run and bike. Our favorite restaurants we like to eat. Our favorite little stores we like to shop. We realized we hadn't visited Zions National Park in a few years so we spent a day there enjoying the beauty and nice trails and near 100 degrees.

These shorts work great for Cricket on a hot day - a pocket for treats, pocket for my camera, and even a pocket for water which Cricket was very happy about. 

Our hike to Emerald Pools gave us some cool air.  We walked steady as the path was wet and slippery on this part. 

Squirrels are not afraid to get very close.  Cricket turned her head for a quick glance. 

Steve stayed on the low adventure trails with us for the day.   

Smile for the camera, Cricket.  Smart girl, knows.

Most of the trail was real crowded with people, although this picture indicates otherwise! 

Cooling off our paws and toes near the end of the paved trail and the start of The Narrows.

We both noticed that the whole time we were at this beautiful National Park not one person asked to pet Cricket!  Was everyone just struck by the beauty of this park or some good education at this park on Guide Dogs?  Or was it because they saw her walking on some winding trails and knew she needed to focus on her job ... not sure, but it really was nice and added to the enjoyable day. 

Celebrating.  September is National Guide Dog Month!

Sending Love

The bond between a guide dog and handler is pretty incredible.  Sometimes I search for words to describe - the depth of gratitude felt for a dog that truly gives and serves and is so connected to our world.  The loss when Pantera died was deep.  I will always treasure the few moments I had as she died to hug her and tell her how much I loved her and for giving me back my bounce in my step in so many ways. 

My friend, and truly a mentor for me on the GDB AA board, Deborah, just had to say goodbye to her Tuscan.  I recall meeting Tuscan at our meetings two years ago.  He reminded me a lot of Cricket and was near the same age.   I know she would appreciate support and comments http://deborahkendrick.blogspot.com/2011/08/goodbye-tuscan.html  .

So Alive

Recently, we had a little time to go to the Golite Sale downtown. My new favorite running shirt is a Golite brand. As often is the case with our shopping, we enter to find Steve something and somehow leave with him not finding what he needed, and I have something new and fun!  I realized we were close to another labyrinth on this journey!   We stopped by, but it was locked.  Steve says it is a beautiful one.  We emailed to find a time to go inside.  I am probably the only one from the conference that is searching out all the labyrinths in our state!   

Some interesting questions for Crickers from this shopping trip.  Is she really able to turn on lights?  She is pretty amazing, but that isn't one of her talents.  The clerk where Steve was trying on his shoes had several questions about when I used the harness handle and when the leash.  Basically, Cricket is guiding when I am holding on to the harness.  When the harness is down and heeling her with the leash, she is off guide duty. 

Have I mentioned how excited I am about this new course my colleague and I are going to offer at the office in the Fall?  Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. 

A quote for the day:  This kind of compulsive concern with "I, me, and mine" isn't the same as loving ourselves ... Loving ourselves points us to capacities of resilience, compassion, and understanding within that are simply part of being alive. 

Sharon Salzberg, The Force of Kindness

More details to come. 

Wishing you a great weekend

Cricket and I walked up to the bakery today for some treats for one of our groups at the office. I love that the lady at the bakery said - I was just wondering where the lady with the dog was - I haven't seen you for a while.  Yes, we're back.  I have taught Cricket to 'find the basket' which is very helpful as we enter the store. 

Cricket has on her festive red/white/blue collar for the holiday weekend.

Happy 4th! 

Summer Nights with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Night blindness is typically the first sign of Retinitis Pigmentosa.  I've never seen the stars and when I had useable vision - nighttime was a time that I came inside.  I recall when I still drove - restricted driver's license - no night driving, my daughter and I were out on a little mommy/daughter date.  We knew we had to be home before dark.  A storm came in and it got dark unexpectedly.  Funny, I don't remember how we got home ... if we waited out the storm or called Steve to come pick us up.  I do remember at that time, darkness = some anxiousness.   Fast forward to the first night of walking with our guide dogs in Gresham, Oregon.  That is the night I learned to trust fully my guide dog and suddenly night time - darkness did not scare me. I felt empowered. It happened with Pantera on a first time level that was truly amazing. Then, it happened again, with Cricket. I didn't need to come in at dark, anymore.

I love summer nights.  Sometimes they are filled with a bike ride, sometimes sitting out on the deck and talking, sometimes working at the office and tonight watering our flowers that didn't get their drink this morning.

This morning, they missed their morning watering because I was able to go running - such a blessing in my life with Brenda, then Cricket and I went walking with Shannon, Layla, and Kashi .(Can I just say, I would love to start my day each day with this combo)then visiting teaching , then work - nice 1/2 day, back to one more visiting teaching appointment and now watering our flowers.  Our daylillies are getting close to bursting!  Amazing.  Also, amazing that this old shirt and newer skirt match.  Steve tells me they look like they were meant to be together :).  I seem to pull out yellow when I am feeling happy and also when I want to bring in some optimism.  Today it is a bit of both.

Puppies & Presentations

Someone just told me about this article and picture from last year. Funny, Susi and I were just reminiscing about this experience last year at this time and that there was SNOW on the ground when she came to visit.  I told her she missed out on a crazy storm this week, too.  My poor flowers need some extra love. 

Fun that Joaquin is now a working guide dog.  Where is this cute puppy now, Lindsay? 

Tucked in the Corner

This new shirt is two years old.  I have passed by it several times in the back corner of the closet and for some reason wore it today.  I love it and will pull it out again - not sure why it had been ignored in the back of the closet.  I'm in the process of finishing moving all my winter clothes out and spring/summer clothes in to my closet.  I don't know how others who are blind organize their clothes (perhaps not get quite so many!), but a new season change means sorting through with someone with vision - making sure what is in my closet fits, isn't worn out, no spots, etc.  It seems like once that has been done with the season change the fun of creating new outfits begins. 

What a difference a day makes.  Today Cricket and I took a walk between clients.   The sun felt great shining on us.  Cricket stopped at our little place that we sit and enjoy the sunshine.  We had a few minutes to enjoy and be still.  There was a lady that was super kind at Arctic Circle today.  She was educating her little girl about Cricket in such a helpful way.   She then helped me get my drink and opened the door for me while verbally telling me what she was doing.  Her kindness was so sweet.

My sidebars are still dropping to the bottom of my blog even though the layout indicates otherwise.  Sigh.  On a single post they appear.  Perhaps I'll tuck this concern in a corner for now.   Long, but joyful day in so many ways at the office today.

I love lab kisses!

Introducing

My friend, Deborah   and new guide Flo are sharing their journeys.  If you have a chance, check in on her blog and you will learn much about the guide dog journey.

I have the opportunity to serve on the GDB Alumni Board with Deborah.  I have learned so much from here and appreciate her friendship.  

Smile

Mommy, why does that dog have a triangle on its back? A little boy asked his mom in the waiting room today. I hadn't thought of it as a triangle before. (A very helpful triangle, I thought).

The doctor told Cricket as we were in the exam room. I bet you didn't realize this was part of your job!

Healthy visit with encouragement to keep on yoga-ing, running, biking from the doctor. She also said my memory will return and eventually the hot flashes will go away. Comments that make me smile will continue. Very grateful for Cricket that in a maze of a doctor's clinic when we were finished, I asked her to find the stairs and she did, then find the door, and she did. Then, outside. Good Girl, Cricket. She received a yummy treat for her good work.

Happy Pace

Just a note of gratitude for my Cricket girl.  We walked over to Arctic Circle on our break today.  A man came up to me and asked me how long before I had to 'give up this dog'.  I realized he thought I was training the dog.  I explained that she was my guide, and I was so very grateful for the puppy raisers that had trained her, my first guide dog and others.   He was very nice and indicated he had seen me walking at such a happy pace (I  loved that he referred to our walk in that way) that he thought I must be training the dog.  I said, thanks to Cricket I do walk at a happy pace!