-------------- Original message --------------
From: Sharon Hooley <[log in to unmask]>

> As my guide dog and I stood in line at the checkout of the River City Market
> at CSUS, 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 endin g 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 Diet Pepsi
> display at Food Town; however, when I tell her to find "over there" her
> little bottom hits the floor and a small whimper tells me that she 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 voic e shout out a warning of
> a truck bearing down on me from over there. Shadow 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 b reath, 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 Shadow'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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> Sharon
>