Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Alive and Kicking

Alright, it’s been a month since I returned with Nadine to real life, and I’ve had some people worried that I might have been led astray by the darling pooch. Rest assured that I am not in a ditch some where in the hinterlands. Nadine and I are getting used to this guide dog thing, but it sure is a lot of work.
My family loves her, and my pug Lucy is still debating. There are times she gets in a dither, thinking Nadine is acting up. But, for the most part, the transition is pretty smooth.
I’ve gone on one Time Out For Women trip to Fresno, and Nadine did great. Of course, the audience of 1800 women thought Nadine was going to walk me off the front of the stage. There was a collective gasp, and women started yelling, “To the left! Go to the left!” Wow, that was fun. She would’ve done fine and gotten me down the stairs, but the producer and John Bytheway (How do you like the name dropping?) ran up and helped me down the stairs. It’s always an adventure. The thousands of women wanted to pet her, so that will be a problem. I’m having a friend make a sign for me to put on her harness, so those who are literate, will avoid the temptation. Grin.
Church has been quite the adventure also. Nadine sleeps for most of it, so she fits in nicely. The children all get excited and run up to her saying, “Goggie!” The Young Men aren’t much better. I had one lady totally disgusted that I had my dog at church, but she’ll get over it.
Isn’t it interesting where life takes us? Whether or not we have a Nadine, we certainly get to deal with things that we never wanted to deal with. But, I am grateful for the good that has come out of my challenges. At least I get a few funny stories and laughs out of it all. And just to clear the air of any confusion, Nadine doesn’t know sign language. Grin.

4 comments:

Becky Andrews said...

Sure can relate to your journey! Glad you two are settling in so nicely.

Lara Zierke said...

Hi Kris, it's your cousin-in-law Lara and I recently started reading your blog. Congrats on Nadine, I hope to meet her someday, but only pet her with permission. :)

Stephanie said...

I'm so glad you've blogged again! I've been checking every few days. I'm so glad all went well in Fresno and that I have every confidence that good Nadine would have led you just fine. I know how much she loves you and I'm so happy to see you out and about in the neighborhood. Don't worry about those at church who have issues...you could always offer to blindfold them and offer her services so they can feel what it's like. I love you and love Nadine and think she's a wonderful addition. Write again soon! - Steph

Anonymous said...

Tell the Lady at church..."It's the Law!" Then order her the brown rice.