Before we say our goodbyes, Bill mentions that he’ll email Megan from Admissions today to ask her to look for a class opening for me. He’s taking a few days off when he returns, so that will delay his report reaching the Board. This could well be a long 2-3 weeks.
I am maternally compelled to complete my training by May 1. Both of my children are graduating seniors this spring: My daughter from college, and my son from high school.
I’ve heard that 3-month gaps between one’s home visit and class start date are not uncommon, and it’s all I can think about. If I can’t complete my training before May, I’ll be forced to wait for the fall…but I’m ready NOW!
A few days after my home visit, I come up with some (BS) questions about the applications process. Once use these as an excuse to contact Megan, in an attempt to keep my application front and center in her mind, and to satiate the obnoxious taunting of my own compulsive thoughts.
My desperate, almost amusing inner dialogue sounds something like:
“2-3 weeks…hmmmm… My mom would LOVE for me to have a guide dog…Even at her age, she worries about me. Her birthday is in a week-and-a-half, on the 6th. It would sure make a nice birthday surprise to be able to tell her that I’ve been accepted to a class.”
Once I took action and began working with Angela to learn my routes, the entire process fell miraculously into place and has been humming along smooth as silk ever since. Good grief! My 2-3 week response window hasn’t even opened yet… Why do I see myself attempting to bargain with God?… Where is all this doubt coming from… and why?
After what feels like a month, my phone rings, just two days into my reply window, on February 11.
“Hi Donna, this is Megan with GDB Admissions. I have good news. You’ve been accepted for guide dog training. I know you need to complete training as soon as possible. I have an opening for a class that starts on March 9. If that week doesn’t work, we can try for the next class that starts on the 23rd.”
Wow! I am ecstatic! This is better than I’d hoped for! It’s also less than a month away.
“I’d prefer the 9th, but should probably check with my family to be sure there are no schedule conflicts. Can I get back with you by tomorrow morning on that?”
I confirm my training for March 9. Megan advises me I’ll be receiving phone calls from a member of the nursing staff, and my instructor prior to the start of class. She reserves my flights, emails my ticket, a list of things to bring, and alerts me that there is a contract on its way to be signed and returned by me prior to the start of class.
With only 3-1/2 weeks to go, I purchase two *really* good pair of walking shoes and a windbreaker (per Megan’s list). I clean, do laundry, cook and freeze meals in preparation for my time away. On my own, I practice my routes as often as possible, occasionally going over all three routes in a day, and work with Angela as often as she’s able. The days fly by.
Copyright (C) 2015 Donna Mack Anderson. All rights reserved.
Author’s note:
Thanks SO much for taking time out to read my blog. I apologize for the delays in my last posts. My mom passed in October, following a long illness. Though I’m doing well overall, writing has proven more challenging than expected. Thank you for your continued patience and support as my writing reclaims its rhythm.
