Covid took a lot more vision. I was with Ruth today, we decided to meet Walgreens Nicolette. The moment I departed the bus I knew I was lost. I no longer can see the big signs, so just shadows of big buildings. The train… I could hear it but it sounded like it was right in my ear so I couldn't figure out the direction to walk towards it.
I knew these days were coming but certainly wasn't prepared emotionally. I felt tears well up in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Don't cry, I kept telling myself as I turned circles trying to recognize the buildings and searching for a sign I could read. I would walk and a few steps and try to see through the nothing. I never felt this alone before. Back up plans started in my mind. Call a Lyft cab, call Michael, Call Robin, Sam, I have people I can ask for help. Ruth calls. "Becca, are you close?" Ruth, I am off the bus and walking but I didn't realize how much vision is dismissed and I am lost, I know I am on Nicolette," I said. "OK Becca I'm going to walk toward you and find you." Relieved, I kept walking the way I was going, then I realized, I can't see across the street, Ruth can't see across the street, I am now at the train station and I didn't come across her. I call Ruth. Hey Google, call Ruth. She picks up. "Ruth, I am now at the train station, we wouldn't see eachother if we were walking opposite side of the street, go back to meeting at Walgreens." OK Ruth said. A City ambassador asked if I need help. Yes ma'am I do, can you tell me how to get to Walgreens? She introduced herself and walked with me to Walgreens. Along the way the wind had caught someone's bucket hat and in her path, she stepped on it so the people giving chase to the hat could have relief, she laughed and explained what just happened. "The cities are like a wind tunnel today I said."
We arrived at Walgreens. I met Ruth, the lump in my throat subsided and we started deciding our next move. We hit our old stomping grounds by the UofM.