As I sit here tonight, I'm thinking back over the past two weeks that I have be AWOL from my blog. I've flown across a lot of real estate - most of it snow covered - and a good portion of it littered with empty soda cans, snack wrappers and various remnants left behind from a great celebration. Where did I go, you might ask. To Virginia, by way of Washington DC on Inauguration Day of course. This had to be the busiest day in the history of Washington DC, and I chose to fly in that day to visit with my daughter and new grandchild. When the trip was planned, Barak Obama's big day was the farthest thing from my mind. I was on a mission to see my rowdy 3-year-old grandson and his new baby sister!
So anyway, thanks to a very patient driver on Super Shuttle, I made it to my daughter's home with little incident. I did meet a very nice young man on the Shuttle who attends college for the hearing impaired. Since I know next to nothing in sign language, we used our cell phone's NOTE feature to communicate. He pointed out landmarks along the way, and told me about his fiance and upcoming wedding. Ever the Realtor, I pulled out my business card and told him how he could find me on Facebook, should he need help with his first home. I'm not sure I will hear from him again, but I did learn about taking things for granted. I would have never thought about how it must be to travel with a hearing impairment. I take my hearing for granted. I read a book and depend on my ears to hear the gate attendant call me when it is time to board the plane. I listen while the flight attendant gives safety instruction all while looking out the window or something other than look at the flight attendant. I could go on, but I'm sure you understand what I am trying to say. Yet here is this cheerful, young man seemingly without a care in the world, who's just traveled from Hawaii to Washington DC alone.
If he happens to read this blog, my intent is let him know how much I respect him for his fearless attitude and ability to be a success in this world despite what some people would label a handicap. This young man has no handicap, he just communicates differently, and made quite an impression on a total stranger. I learned from him that I have no cause for fear or problems except those of my own making. I learned from him that a smile breaks most barriers. I learned from him that regardless of your current circumstances, you can find something to be happy about. I learned from him that if you are happy, you will attract others to you.
That young man has probably not given me another thought, but should he happen across my blog, I want him to know it will be a long time before I forget him.
Hmm, I meant to tell you about my grandchildren and real estate in Virginia, guess I'll save that for next time!
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