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

[William Vandervest]

i was told thet the service desk at meijer was over there just today, and 
still needed a sighted guide to find it, and i still have no idea where it 
is,really frustrating, can't these people see my leader dog or somebody's 
white cane ? lol


There are none so blind as those who will not see

William and Leader Dog Lynard

timelord09 at att.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry D. Eagle via nfbmi-talk" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2014 6:55 AM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Oh Where, Oh Where is "Over There"?


> 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.
>
>
>
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