Traveling Thank You Notes

June was a month filled with travel for me.  As I maneuvered my way around bustling airports and unfamiliar hotels, my marshmallow-tipped white cane leading the way, I encountered the joys and challenges of blind travel.  While the majority of the public are respectful and kind, there are some rare “gems” that inspired me to write another round of thank you notes.  

Dedicated to my Daring sisters who met me in Salt Lake City in early June and know how to find the humor in blind travel.  

Thank you public restrooms, for having such a variety of flushing mechanisms, causing me to fumble around in a small area where the dirtiest of germs are lurking on every possible surface.  I am especially grateful for the toilets that flush before I have even finished doing my business.

Yours Truly,
On the Go Joe

Thank you stranger on my left, for keeping pace with me as I walk to baggage claim.  Yes, YOU, the one who thinks that I cannot see you slowing down when I slow down, and speeding up when I speed up.  Thank you for being my silent companion, ensuring that I get safely to my destination.

Gratefully,
Peeping Back at You Tom

Dearest Airport Security, Words can hardly express how thankful I am for your awkward gestures, vague instructions, and patronizing tone.  I may not have graduated from the same Ivy League college as you, so I am grateful that you talk to me as if I am 5 years old.  The way you instantly turn on your baby voice and say “good girl, good girl” as I walk through the screening process makes me wonder if you are about to tickle my chin.  But instead, you swipe my palms and send me on my way with a look that assures me of your pity.

Fondly,
Lady GooGoo Gaga

 

Women On The Move: Joy Thomas (repost)

Originally posted on Bold Blind Beauty on June 7, 2016
View, comment on and share the original post here.

“I don’t understand why I didn’t get the job,”

I said to my supervising teacher, “You gave me such stellar reviews from my student teaching, and I feel like I described my teaching style and goals really well in my interview. I have a 4.0 GPA, and the students loved me!  Did the principal say anything to you about why he didn’t hire me?”

Thomas03142016-31
Photo Credit: Morry Angell, Guide Dogs for the Blind

Continue reading “Women On The Move: Joy Thomas (repost)”

Women on the Move: Jenelle Landgraf (repost)

Originally posted on Bold Blind Beauty on May 3, 2016
View, comment on and share the original post here.

Freedom in Acceptance

Jenelle & JoyIt’s 1983, and two curly-haired 5 year-old girls sit on their dad’s lap, staring into a screen of flashing lights.  They hold their heads back as doctors place stinging drops into their matching hazel eyes, and they wonder what all the fuss is about. Continue reading “Women on the Move: Jenelle Landgraf (repost)”

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