Hi everyone,
Hope you've been doing well. It has been a rainy day over where I live today. I do not mind. I enjoy the sound of the rain. I even put a rain jacket on and went for a leisurely walk as I listened to the rain hitting my hood and the streets around me.
Some months ago, I took a big step in my independence. I took my first airplane trip since loosing my vision. It was in a small airport and in a very small plane. I thought this was perfect for my first plane trip. I attended an all day class for work, left the house at 5:00 AM and got back home at 9:30 PM. I was very tired when I got home, but things went very well. I had been nervous for nothing it seemed when the day had ended.
In the class I was the only one who could not see. When I walked into the room for the first time I could imagine the faces on the others, if I could only see. I sat in my chair, listened to the lectures, took notes on my braille note taker which I previously downloaded the slide set to, the instructor covered on the projection system.
I did not even get nervous when I had to leave the crowded room to use the restroom. I usually get nervous wondering how I will find my way and how I might be able to grab my two white canes and not look to conspicuous. I think because I was so busy I did not have time to think about it. I just stood up, turned around and faced what I thought was the exit and started walking. If I was off course I adjusted by the other students telling me, "Go left" or "go right" or by a gentle hand on my arm or shoulder guiding me towards the exit. At times I just made it through the door by listening to the sounds outside of the classroom when there were sounds or these sounds did not get blocked by the noises from inside of the classroom. Once I was outside of the classroom I could usually find the restroom because of some preplanning. I arrived early at the class so I could find the restrooms and drinking faucet. Once I found it with help I traced my steps back and counted door jams, cut outs in walls, right and left turns until I reached my classroom. I would then turn around and try it again until I memorized the route.
Next I will have to take a longer trip. I have another business trip coming up. I will then have to master carrying luggage with no extra hands, I carry two canes when I walk.
I hope everyone has been doing well and I get the chance to hear from you.
What are your stories of FIRSTS in your life?
Take care,
Bill
Bill Tipton
Contributing Author, Global Dialogue Center