Some el stops in Chicago make it easy to cross busy streets. I regularly use the underground blue line stop near our apartment this way — Whitney guides me down the steps on the south side, we walk underneath Congress to get to the exit that feeds out on the north side, and, bingo! We’ve safely crossed a four-lane highway!
Whit and I often use Subway stops to cross under busy streets.
When Seeing Eye trainer Chris Mattoon was here last month helping me with Whitney, I used the underground red line el stop to cross State Street. He found my subway street-crossing idea so slick that he asked if he could videotape us. “I’ve gotta show this to the apprentices!” he laughed, explaining that new trainers might regard my trick as cheating — they might insist the dogs keep their street crossings, ahem, above ground. “But really, an important part of the job is learning to trust the blind person you match with the dog. Each person is different, and you’ve gotta let them do what works best for them,” Chris told me, then started to chuckle again. “And this seems to work for you, Beth!”
The only thing that kinda doesn’t work about my underground crossings is this: the spot where we emerge from the blue line is also the spot where a gaggle of homeless men like to hang out. The men are no trouble, it’s just that Whitney needs to work us around them to get us to the next corner. We make this trip so often that one of the men recognizes us now and has decided to take us under his wing. “Three o’clock!” his baritone sandpaper voice rings out when he sees us come up the stairs. “Twelve o’clock!” he shouts as we head down the sidewalk.
I have never found the face-of-the-clock method very helpful, but I’ve come across a number of sighted people who think it’s pretty clever. Maybe they’ve all seen the movie See No Evil, Hear No Evil? That’s the one where Gene Wilder plays a deaf man who uses clock-face directions to tell his blind buddy (played by Richard Pryor) how to beat up some guy they meet in a bar.
“Nine o’clock! “Twelve o’clock!” The shouts from my Tom-Waits-sound-alike can be disconcerting. And distracting. I do my best to hide my annoyance and just smile his way as we pass. He’s only trying to help.
A few weeks ago Mike walked with Whitney and me to Union Station to catch a train to a suburban grade school. It’s been an unseasonably warm winter in Chicago — the sun was out, sidewalks were clear, and Mike escorted Whitney and me sighted-guide across the four-lane highway. I gotta admit, It was a relief to avoid the shouts from the Tom Waits soundalike at the el stop.
I kissed Mike goodbye at Union Station, assuring him he didn’t have to come and fetch us there later that afternoon — Whitney could guide me home on her own. Only problem: I hadn’t anticipated a blizzard.
The snow started falling when Whitney and I were talking to second-graders in the gymnasium at Kipling Elementary School, and it was still coming down when we got off the commuter train in Chicago. The American Federation of the Blind devotes a section on its web site to traveling in winter weather:
Winter-weather is often more time consuming, more physically and mentally tiring, and possibly more fraught with danger than traveling in good weather. The cold often brings personal discomfort, making it difficult to concentrate and learn during travel or mobility lessons. Your toes, fingers, and ears are particularly at risk. To protect your extremities, it is necessary to plan one’s clothing and equipment well beforehand.
When I was a kid, I thought it was magical, the way snowfall muffled the sound around you. I still do. But on my walk home with Whitney that afternoon, it just wasn’t the magic I was looking for. By the time we left the train station, enough snow had fallen to mask the audible cues I use to navigate the city. Commuters trudging towards the station kept their heads down to avoid the snow pelting their faces. This would have been fine if they all had dogs like mine to guide them, but they didn’t. Whitney was on her own, weaving me around the blinded commuters in our path.
Snow had accumulated between the raised, circular bumps I’ve come to rely on to tell me we’re at the edge of a curb ramp, so I wasn’t always exactly sure where we were. The further we got away from the train station, the fewer pedestrians crossed our path. And then suddenly I realized: we were alone. I stopped. Listened. No footsteps in the snow, no sounds of shovels, nobody there. Panic. Where were we? My iPhone was in my bag, and I knew I could call Mike. But what would I say? How would I tell him where to find us?
And that’s when I heard it. A voice like an angel. “Twelve o’clock!” my subway sentry shouted.
I picked up Whitney’s harness, squared my shoulders towards the foghorn, commanded, “Whitney, forward!” and Wonderdog Whitney pulled me towards the voice in the wilderness. “Twelve o’clock!” he called out. “Twelve o’clock! Twelve o’clock!” When we got close enough, Tom Waits reached out. He put his gloved hand in mine, and led Whitney and me to the subway stairs. Once there, he placed my palm ever so gently onto the banister and walked away. We got home fine from there.
And now, when my pal by the subway entrance croaks out a clock direction, I don’t just smile his way. I thank him.
Love this! Once again, you’ve managed to pack so much into one post – mobility issues, guide dog training and humanity.
Beth,
It’s Cara again, your new, I’ll call myself friend since “blog-stalker” might get the fbi pounding at my door! Lol (See the “lol” fbi’s? It was just a joke.)
Anyway, I look forward to reading your blog. Each one is so descriptive I can imagine my journey when I get my own dog and how I might handle some of your challenges. Some of the challenges you dave won’t be the same as some of mine, but I can usually find something that would be challenging for me and think about how I would approach it.
Each post teaches me something new about working with an assistance animal; even if my experience will be slightly different from yours. But then, everyone’s is, I guess.
What a great story about a true beacon in the midst of the storm. Isn’t it amazing how some of the most overlooked, forgotten, and mistreated among us can also sometimes be the most kind and helpful?
Next time you cross paths, tell him that your friend from MD said, “Hi. Thank you for helping my friend get home in the storm!”
Cara
jeesh, Beth. I’m crying. Or nearly. Your life is filled with such beautiful moments, you beautiful woman, and you pen them so elegantly.
That was a beautiful blog. I felt like I was watching a movie. Glad you made it home…..Safe and Sound.
Beth:
Thank you for helping me to walk in your shoes. You and Whitney are my role models for what I hope for in my world.
Hugs,
Barbara
And with that man standing guard at your el stop, singer/songwriter Tom Waits might see his lyrics come true: Maybe things will be better in Chicago
This is lovely, Beth. So moving and beauifully written. I’m so glad I got to know you and that you send me your blogs. thank you.
Gotta wonder, when people we find annoying or sometimes, threatening, come to the rescue? Wow! I can’t even imagine the panic you must have felt that day in the blizzard. Those time-telling, raspy-voiced homeless dudes really came in handy. Thanking them now…..I would be also!
The visuals you create in my mind are so clear. I love your writing as always. Judy
Ha! What irony – a blind writer providing visuals. VERY high praise–thanks, Judy!
Beth, I’m smiling at Cara the blog stalker’s post above. I signed up to receive your blog posts yesterday after spending several days reading the entire Safe and Sound archives. Now here I am checking email and I found yesterday’s post. I had never read anyone’s blog before! I feel like a voyeur- not in a dirty sense of course- but like I’m peeping into your life without permission. It seems a little stalker-ish. After all you don’t know me. Reading your blog has made me feel like I do know you. After reading your entire blog, I like you a lot. Your writing is fabulous! I live near Nashville on a farmette with my husband of 30 years, three dogs and a repurposed racehorse. I ride horses (fox hunting, showing, and trail riding) and my husband rides Harleys. He’s not a biker dude with tattoos but a respectable physician. Hey, he occasionally eats lunch with Ann Patchett’s husband. Okay, now that you know a little about me, I can pretend that we’re friends, relax and enjoy your blog without guilt!
Kim,
You did the same thing I did. I’d seen one of Beth’s entries when someone had posted it on Facebook. After reading one, I decided to go back and read them all. Then I replied to one post, then another, and another. I’m glad you understood the stalker comment!
Cara
Cara,
We can form a group: The Safe and Sound Stalker Society. Laughing. Glad to hear that I’m not alone. Thanks!
All blog stalkers welcome, especially if they are as kind as you two, Cara and Kim. And hey, any woman whose husband eats lunch with Ann Patchett’s husband from time to time is a friend of mine. I’ll have to get to work getting a gig at AP’s Nashville bookstore, that way perhaps we can meet in person…
Beth, that would be fabulous! Get cracking on a new book to promote and do a reading at Parnassus Books (AP’s new store). Nashville loves company and so do I. We are a city of readers and not nearly as “country” as the media portrays us. Nashville is laid back and friendly and we have lovely southern accents. People on airplanes always “make” me talk when they hear where I’m from. Having just “stalked” um read your blog, I can tell you there is a book there just waiting to be born. Really, if you come to Nashville, I would love meeting you! Hey Chicago is one of my favorite cities–but not in winter! Maybe I’ll stalk you the next time I go to the windy city. Kidding… I’ll announce myself. I promise! Have a happy day.
Kim,
How about 4S? We should abbreviate the name to something like that so people don’t realize we’re blog-stalkers! And we need to let people know that we’re accepting members since Beth has approved! Lol
Cara
Cara, Or just S s s s (like a snake). “S4” perfect, love it, and I’m in. Where do I send my dues??? Hey, this is fun. So we won’t take up more space on Beth’s blog, my email is fxhntr1@mac.com. I canceled Facebook–long story. Write me and tell me more about yourself (if you want). I’m accepting new friends this month. Keep smiling.
What a beautiful and moving narrative Beth. You never know what form an angel will take – a dog, a firefighter, a homeless man with a raspy voice. I will try to remember this when i get annoyed with someone or something. they could be angels in disguise.
Oh my goodness Beth – did anyone ever tell you that you could weave a beautiful story? Thanks for sharing – also reminded me just a bit of our Door County snowstorm adventure last March in Door County. So glad Whitney is working out so nicely for you. Love from me and Dennis!
What a great story, Beth. That winter wonderland can be wonderful or simply full of wonder, like, I wonder where the heck am I?
Hi again!
Not sure if you remember me… the Canadian puppy raiser who loves your blog. I have been faithfully following your blog since I came across it. I still think it’s funny that I actually came across your blog because I was looking for information about Passive House design!! It really must be a small world.
At any rate, I particularly enjoyed reading your post (Underground) today for a couple of reasons:
1. I love it when this sort of life lesson happens to me- just at the moment when you need help the most, it comes from the place you least expect it, and often with another little life lesson attached. Nothing like this sort of story to renew one’s faith in the human race. I actually welled up when reading this, and then teared up again, as I read your post to my mom. It is a fabulous story!
2. We turned our latest puppy back in to the guide dog school for advanced training two weeks ago. We got a long update from his trainer today, including photos and videos of how his training is going (how great is that?!?). Reading your blog eases the quiet moments when I miss having him here… it reminds me of why we do what we do, and that our puppy (who’s not so small anymore!) has a bigger purpose in life, which makes him that much easier to give up. Thanks for taking the time to write your blog!
Thanks again,
Kris
So cool you found me via Passive House –you might be interested in knowing that Katrin Klingenborg, one of the fonders of Passive House US, has started blogging – her writings are pretty technical (translation: a bit over my head) but if yu are interested in their efforts to fine-tune the Passive House standard’s certification criteria, (which were originally developed for the central European climate) to the unique climate and market needs of the United States and Canada,
you’ll love her blog:
http://passivehouse.us/blog/
But now, about our other bond: puppies!
I’ve said it before but worth repeating: you puppy raisers are the most giving and caring volunteers I know, what generosity of spirit to raise a puppy and then give the pup away to help someone else.
Your volunteer work is oh so important to all of us who get around safely with guide dogs. THANK YOU so much for following my blog, Chris, but more importantly: for giving of yourself for others –like me!
And while I’m at it — thanks to all the other compliments above, your high praise has me thinking maybe I should try to reshape this into a radio essay and submit it to the public radio editors? Stay tuned…
Do it!!! Your essay is beautiful.
Yes! I wonder if your angel would come to the studio to record his lines : ).
I can only echo others in saying how moving this post is, Beth. Beautifully crafted as a story (I cried when your angel rang out), but even more beautifully perceived as an observation on life. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
–Molly
Hi Beth,
I will certainly check out the Passive House blog. My fiance and I are in the midst of gutting an old house (read: disgustingly dirty, old house that I wouldn’t make my worst enemy move into! Oh the stories I could tell you about it!) and renewing it into a more eco-friendly, yet affordable, home. We are using some Passive House principles, but at this point, don’t know that we’ll be seeking certification. I’m sure the two of us will enjoy reading the PH blog! Thanks for telling me about it.
As for puppy raising, maybe some of your other blog followers might be interested in trying it!? It is one of the most satisfying, rewarding, and fun types of volunteer work we’ve ever done! We’ve met wonderful people through the organization itself, but also when we’ve just been out and about with the dogs we’ve had.
Last but not least, I ABSOLUTELY think you should be writing more books, or doing a radio essay. Perhaps you could also send it to CBC, so listeners here could here it too (but I bet that NPR would love it!).
Thanks again for putting so much time and care into your writing… it’s beautiful, enlightening, and wonderfully personal. I can’t wait to read the next post!
Kris
Oh, what an honor it would be to air on CBC! I listen to “Q” (or is it “Cue”?!) here on Chicago Public Radio, worth it just to hear that host pronounce his French-sounding name all the time.
Yes, Q a very popular CBC show and is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi, who is a bit of a Canadian icon. Although his name sounds French, he was actually born in England, and of Iranian descent. He was part of a band called Moxy Fruvous who wrote and performed some hilarious songs (check out “Green Eggs and Ham” or “King of Spain”) in the 1990s. If you like Q, you should check out a bunch of other CBC shows. One of my favourites is called “The Debaters.”
Here’s hoping you get to be on the radio!!
Kris, thanks for sharing! My husband cracked up to “My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors” saying that’s exactly how he feels when I go to bed with a book night after night. I love “The Drinking Song”. I can’t drink because I have epilepsy. Being at a party while everyone around me gets hammered DOES feel like watching a Holocaust. I’m going to spend this afternoon writing “My Husband is Addicted to the Hitler (History) Channel”! Hey, listen for it on the radio. I live in Nashville surrounded by musicians. One of them is bound to record it. Kris and Beth get a cut of the royalties!
Definitely a great radio essay choice! Let us know when we can link to it.
Hmmm. The first step is reworking it and sending it their way. As Flo would say, “I’d better get cutting'” THANKS for the encouragement.
Beth, that was brilliant! I also agree that it would be a great radio essay.
And, have your ears been burning recently? I read ‘long time no see’ finally! Better late than never.
Aha! No wonder my ears have been red! Not your fault that it took so long for you to get my book — does this mean the British Library finally produced it in Braille? Hope so!
Hi Beth!
Its Courtney again, but this time with new dog, Felicia, the tiny, 44 pound, 19 and a half inch tall, black and tan German Shepherd! She’s a rocket with teeny paws and is seriously fast. Personality wise, she’s super affectionate, quite unlike my Labrador. I love her smoother pull on the harness too. Coincidentally, my instructor is once again, Drew Gibbon, the one that trained me with Kazzi back in 2004. My match just happened to be in his string of dogs. By the way, we get them on Wednesday morning now instead of afternoon, a nice change. Well, its Elm street route again tomorrow, so I better get to bed.
Courtney,
What wonderful news, and how good of you to take time from they busy, busy, busy schedule at the Seeing Eye to let my blog readers and me know about Felicia. I *love* the name, and find it interesting she is so small – a woman in my group in December was matched with a similarly small German Shepherd, maybe they are breeding them smaller these days?
Dunno.
What I *do* know is that you are probably happily overwhelmed with it all right now – congrats, and enjoy!
And a big WOW from me on this post. What a great story you shared here. I walk the streets you described here without much notice as of late, but you gave the path new meaning, human interests on the busy streets and created a great travel tale too. Thanks again Beth. And I agree this one needs to be on the radio too.
Hey Mary, one of these days we oughta take that walk together — you can meet my beacon!
Beth,
Glad you enjoyed it! Moxy Fruvous is certainly good for a giggle!
Kris
Moxy Fruvous. Is that English?!??!! Please note it was blog reader *Kim* who responded that she and her husband are Moxy Fruvous fans — I have yetto give them a listen. Will get to that soon. First, I need to rework this post and send it to NPR and CBC!
Truly heartwarming, Beth. Thank you for sharing another wonderful story.
Ack! Sorry for the confusion, Beth, Kim, and other readers! My literacy is apparently lacking!
Wikipedia has some good information about the name origins of Moxy Fruvous: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxy_Fr%C3%BCvous
Essentially, it’s a nonsense phrase that doesn’t mean anything.
Again, apologies for not reading and responding more carefully,
Kris
PS Beth- happy writing!
Yeah its availible to borrow from the RNIB libarary
Great story…again!
Beth,
I love this story! I have been saying hello to the same homeless guy selling Street Wise at the Millennium Station for almost ten years now and he has so often helped me find that banister railing down to the station. I have even seen him in a different spot and surprised my sisters as we went by him when I said Hi. Sisters say “Kath, that’s a homeless guy” and I said “Yeah, I know that guy!” It’s not that I make friends with every homeless guy I meet, but they have all been more than kind to me over the years and bring a smile to my face. Hope that giving them the chance to help me brings them a feeling of purpose. I also use the underground cheating path – why take the risk when you don’t have to?
Thanks for this comment, Kathy. Makes me feel good to know I am not the only blind woman in Chicago making friends on the streets!
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