[nfbmi-talk] Oh Where, Oh Where is "Over There"?

[Terry D. Eagle]

As my guide dog and I stood in line at the checkout of the supermarket, I
asked the cashier what I considered a simple question.

"Where are the napkins please?"

Her response was hurried, but sincere, "over there."

 

Emerging from the light rail for the first time, I managed to catch the
attention of a passer-by. "Please sir, can you tell me where I might catch
bus 63?"

A kind voice offered a pleasant response before disappearing into the
cacophony of the early afternoon, "You can catch it, Over there."

 

So many things reside over there -- napkins, bus stops, pencils, pens,
clothing racks, department stores and even my shoes! A never ending supply
of important and indispensable items and locales all reside in this place
which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. I stand in perplexed silence
after learning that something is over there. It is a place I have never been
and have no hope of finding on my own.

 

My guide dog is quite skilled in finding chairs, stairs, elevators,
escalators, helping me cross streets, and can even find me the pepperoni
display at Food Town; however, when I tell him to find "over there", his
little bottom hits the floor and a small whimper tells me that he is as
confused as I.

 

We will not be going "over there" today.

 

Over there has caused me abit of vexation, a lot of confusion and, on
occasion, made my heart race. I have discovered that "over there" can be a
dangerous place.

 

One day while crossing a street, I heard a driver's irritated voice shout
out a warning of a truck bearing down on me from over there. My guide dog
artfully dodged the oncoming vehicle and pulled me to the safety of the
curb.

 

Our hearts were both racing as we took a few moments to compose ourselves.

Close encounters with over there can be frightening experiences. Although
many blind people have wondered as to the exact location of, "over there,",
few have dared to venture forth in an actual exploration of the mysterious
place.

 

One day, while standing in line at the supermarket, I asked the clerk where
I might find the aspirin. With a cheery smile in her voice, she informed me
that the aspirin was located, "over there."

 

With a weary sigh, I decided that I would take the extra step that would
unravel the mystery, which had vexed my compatriots since the beginning of
time.

 

Taking a deep breath, and attempting to look nonchalant, I smiled at the
clerk, "Where," I asked, "is over there?"

 

I imagined the girl's shocked expression. I felt her sharing condescending
and concerned looks with her fellows in the store. The silence grew palpable
as they mulled the possibility of allowing a blind person access to the
forbidden land.

 

She had no choice; she would have to tell me how to find "over there!" 

 

I had won! Exhilaration swept through me as I waited in breathless
anticipation. A victorious smile crept to my lips, my hand tightened on the
handle of my guide dog's harness, we would soon be going over there!

 

The clerk's voice reeked with resignation as the decision was made. "That
way," she said.