Today was a test for me. I had to navigate West Michigan Ave. in downtown Kalamazoo.
We parked in a lot on the corner of Westnedge and West Michigan where I was given the instruction to go the Radisson which I believe is on Rose (Forgive me if I am wrong I haven't been feeling well today.) I then had to cross West Michigan. Butterflies in my stomach, cane pointed to the intersection, deep breath in then out, I waited for the surge and crossed the road. No big deal. My next instructions were to go to Edwards Street. I had to cross a one-way side street against the light, and cross a funky street where people kept doing rolling stops. My instructor told me I had to take a deep breath and just cross in front of the cars otherwise I would never get across. Now, having a car coming up behind you that you can't see is a completely different story then having a car coming at you. Talk about heart attack!
For lunch, my instructor took me Coney Island Hotdogs. I had my first official Coney Hot dog and it was good. I loved the old building... gold tin ceiling and tiles everywhere!
My next instruction was to head back to the Radisson hotel where I would learn escalators. Talk about a leap of faith! First, I have to feel the handrail to make sure it is going in the direction I want it to go, then I stick my cane on the stairs and listen. Finally, I just take a step not knowing whether or not I am on the edge or not.... very nervewracking! Oh! and to get off... I have to feel my cane become even with me and step off!
I think my cane instructor loves me! I am a model student and I do what he asks... apparently he usually meets with resistance. I figure I need to know this stuff and he has been doing this for 30 some years that I can trust him. He also thinks that I could take my girls on a train and visit Chicago on my own and not have any problems! Hmmmm, I think I just might have to plan an overnight trip to Chicago with my girls this summer to visit the Museum and the Aqaurium!
So next time you talk to a teacher, appreciate them.... they really do have our best interests at heart!
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