low-vision – Page 5 – The Chicago Files

[courtesy of shutterstock.com]

Last Sunday I wrote about a little, ‘kindness connection’ that happened to me at my local train stop: Sunday Serenity: A Little Bit of Kindness Does Matter

Today’s post is somewhat of a continuum along the, ‘kindness’ line. A few days ago I was in downtown Chicago (gee, I’m there quite often, aren’t I?) waiting at a busy corner for the pedestrian sign to turn to, ‘Walk’. On the opposite corner facing me was a fellow with a guide dog at his side. As some of you might remember from previous posts, I have a strong connection with the blind/low vision community. Having volunteered at a center for blind/low vision folks, I have somewhat of an understanding of the types of challenges they face each day.

Back to the fellow across from me. When the, “Walk” sign appeared, I began to walk across the street; however, the man and his guide dog did not move. As I approached the other side of the street, I noticed a car turning right kept pulling closer to the walkway, not giving any attention whatsoever to the man and his guide dog. In a split second I realized why the dog didn’t move forward; he was protecting the man as he had no idea if the car was going to cut in front of them or not.

Immediately I put my hand on the fellow’s arm and said, “Sir, it’s okay to cross the street now.” He thanked me and went on his way. I did turn around to ensure that he was okay. It felt great to be able to help this dear soul for just a fleeting moment, but I was angered at the lack of attention from the driver of the car.

[courtesy of http://www.andreareiser.com]

I don’t know, is it just me or do you notice that so many people have become incredibly desensitized to their environments? In other words, it appears that in many cases we have become our own little islands, focusing on self and not much beyond that. That’s not to say that I feel people have become overwhelmingly mean-spirited or apathetic. I guess it’s just that being ‘in tune’ with your environment and those in it can really open up opportunities for connecting with others, and showing kindness even in the tiniest way.

I have struggled a lot with the ‘why’ things are the way they are these days. But I must admit that is probably an exercise in futility, as it is most likely a plethora of reasons that go beyond my scope of understanding.

Be that as it may, I just wanted to say that what might appear as something insignificant could very well change another person’s day. I know I touched on this topic last week in my ‘kindness’ post, but I really do see a lot of amazing and good things that can come out of a bit of awareness of our surroundings. The driver of the car could have paid more attention to the folks on the sidewalk and observed the man with the impaired vision (he was also wearing a special type of glasses) with the guide dog standing next to him.

I do hope I’m not coming across as, ‘preachy’; I just wanted to tell you how I saw this situation. I had intended to show you a pic I recently took from Macy’s holiday window display (which I will soon, I promise!) but the fellow and his guide dog have been on my mind.

Kindness can bring such joy to the receiver and the giver. I know this with all my heart. I also know that the next time you show kindness, even if you don’t think it is, ‘enough’, or ‘that significant’, believe me, it is. And it’s noticed, and appreciated.

And now, off to be kind to myself with a bit of extra coffee this morning! I hope you have a kind-filled day (and do remember to give yourself some kindness as well)!