A very special person: Saying goodbye to Radhika

When it comes to exceptional persons, the ones who really stand out for some reason or other as you travel along the path of life, Radhika easily falls into this esteemed and illustrious category.

I first met Radhika in 2011, after she had delivered flowers to me through the Sears Canada, Flowers by Sears service.  She simply grew on me and over the years she became one of my very favorite people.

Radhika was always so very willing to accommodate my needs.  She went above and beyond the call of duty.  She always made my floral arrangements extra special, with colors that she knew that I liked and then she would slip in some very special ornaments.

When I visited her floral shop in May 2017, I simply enjoyed the fragrances of her flowers and I could tell how packed her shop was with all kinds of flowers and plants.

Thank you, Radhika, for having come into my life and a special thank you to your wonderful daughter, Ria.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Lots of pain: My poor right shoulder

In late December, 2016, I began to experience great pain with my right shoulder and over the next few months it grew worse.  It was even more difficult for me as my right hand was my so-called cane hand.  In short, the hand that I use to work with my mobility cane.

So, I had to devise ways to help myself.  My right arm still remained the captain of the cane, so to speak, but now I had to call on my left arm to help out.  Any mobility instructor who may have noticed my techniques over these few months would probably have cringed and yelled at me, but sorry: I had no choice.

My left arm took over when it came to moving my cane along but the right arm was still there to ensure that things were okay.  Pain or no pain; I still needed my right shoulder to help me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Such a wonderful person: Hanging out with Sue

Hanging out with Sue is always so very refreshing and enjoyable for me.  Sue is probably one of the best guides that I have ever had.  She knows how to guide a vision-impaired person.  She is careful, thoughtful, and always looking for ways to make things better.

Sue is not afraid to try new things, discover new ways, and find solutions to challenges.

She makes difficult things look so very easy.  She is never afraid to say no but always willing to say yes!

She is funny and helps me to see the humour on difficult days.  She laughs so easily and that's my friend, Sue!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

She is so special! Hanging out with Gabriella

I must say that it is always a pleasure whenever I get to hang out with this wonderful person.  A lady who has never shown any indifference to my being vision-impaired and a person who has always shown me that nothing is impossible!

I met Gabriella in 1986 and since then ours has been a plethora of adventures, excitement, discovery, and memories forever.

She has shown me great understanding and I have learned so much from her!  I would say that Gabriella is a person who we can easily learn from: compassion, passion, patience, and a huge propensity for giving and accepting.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

He was one in a million: Remembering Mr. Q

The best way to remember this exceptional man is for me to say that he was bigger than life!  I met Richard Quan in late 2008 and the minute I did I knew on the spot that I had met someone who would probably influence my life.  I was so right!

I did not interact with him very often but when I did they were encounters that were so very meaningful to me.  Richard was my mentor and coach while I was president of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, and boy, what a difference he made!

He advised me on how to deal with certain difficult situations and his encouragement was so surreal.  He gave selflessly of himself and he always had time for me whenever I reached out to him.

Richard had an uncanny ability to fill the room whenever we had meetings. There was standing room only whenever he chaired a meeting and he had the ability to capture and hold the attention of many whenever he spoke and advised.  Richard advised me to continue on with my dinner mystery evenings and for this I am grateful.

I shall always remember one of his quotes after we had secured a victory against the Canadian Government in our charter challenge.  Richard tweeted: "A landmark victory for all Canadians."

God bless you, Richard!  Thank you for having come into my life!  Rest in Peace now!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Always in my heart: The Harbour Front skating rink

Oh, yes!  Another treasured memory from my bulging memory bank.  One that I shall always cherish and one that I often recall whenever I have a yearning to go out there and do some ice skating.

This rink was big and spacious.  A rink that sat on the edge of a lake and one where so many people still go to enjoy a wonderful winter skate.

I can still remember the wind blowing lustily through my hair and across my frozen cheeks as I skated around. The ice was always in almost perfect shape and I can still hear the blades of my skates brushing gently against the ice.

I can still hear the Christmas music and see the Christmas lights winking back at me as I skated around and I can still hear the laughter of kids and adults as they whizzed past me on their own skates.

Those were such happy times for me with my dear friends, Jason and Christine. We would often go skating at the Harbour Front rink and then we would eat dinner at a restaurant that served up sumptuous Chinese cuisine.

I have not been back there in so many years but maybe some day I'll return just for that one last ice skate.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A treasured memory: At my first baseball game

I can still remember going with Char and Ray to my very first baseball game. This was so many years ago, when the Montreal Expos existed and played their games at Jarry Park in Montreal.

In those days I had very little vision so Char and I took radios along with us to hear the game as it was being broadcasted on the radio.  We were able to follow it with very little difficulty but what really pleased me was being able to be a part of the large, noisy, cheering crowd.

It was such a treat for me as I sat next to Char, and Ray sat on her other side.  We ate hot dogs and French fries and drank large glasses of Coke and as the sun shone down on us I just soaked it all in.

It did not really matter to Char and me that we could not see what was happening on the field.  As the commentators described the game, the crowd seemed to acknowledge their descriptions and their cheers were enough to confirm what was happening.

No one cared that we could not see what was happening.  They were just too busy enjoying the game themselves and this is how I shall always remember it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Happy memories: One of the most pleasant kids

Her name was Tobi Nielsen and in my books she was probably one of the most pleasant kids that I ever met.  She was just nine years old when I first met her and from then until she left home to marry and settle down in Austria, I had the privilege and pleasure to know her.

Tobi was a very gentle little girl; always pleasant and always smiling and laughing.  She was filled with warmth and whenever I visited her home she was always there to give me a huge hug and play all kinds of games with me.

I don't think that Tobi really cared that I was vision-impaired.  She did not treat me with kid gloves but on the other hand she was always ever so careful to ensure that I did not stumble and fall or run into objects.  She was helpful but never overdid it.

I always loved giving her Christmas presents, all kinds of girls' toys.  She appreciated each with such delight that it often almost made me cry.

Now Tobi is all grown up with 3 daughters of her own and her youngest is vision-impaired.  She has RP.  I know that this will be a great challenge for Tobi and her little girl but I can only hope that somehow my having known her when she was a kid would help her in some way as she watches her little girl grow up.

You can do it, Tobi, and I am here for you if ever you need to reach out.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

My perspective: Buses and buses

There are buses and then there are buses and for someone who is vision-impaired, I need to keep this in mind whenever I travel.

The city buses are usually a bit narrow with front and back doors for entering and exiting.  The seats in my city are comfortable enough but there are some that face forward, others that face backward, single seats, bench seats, and then double seats.  Then there are the poles for you to hang on to on those crowded days.  Winter travel on these buses is made comfortable and bearable with adequate heating but in the summer the windows need to be opened to let in the fresh air.  There is no air conditioning.

Then there are those buses that travel between cities: from city to city or even province to province.  These are the more comfortable ones because of the length of their trips.  They are equipped with bathrooms at the back of the bus and very comfortable seats.  In the winter they are well heated and during the summer they are adequately air conditioned.  No worries about not being able to find a seat.

These buses are clean, comfortable, and well maintained, just like the city buses.  What is the difference between the two types of buses. you may be asking?

You never have to fight for a seat on the buses that take you from city to city or from province to province.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Enjoyable for the most part: Metro stations in Montreal

Previously I told you about my travels on the Toronto subway and now it is time for me to tell you about my travels on the Montreal metro.  It is not as noisy as the Toronto subway and it is faster.

Stops are announced in both languages, English and French, as the metro arrives at each metro station, which helps greatly.  However, I will say that some of the metro stations are not as accessible for persons with disabilities as others.

I remember that there are very steep stairs leading down to the platforms of some of these stations which make it quite a challenge for persons with disabilities.  I always enjoy traveling on the Montreal metro when I have the chance.

For the most part, metro stations are kept clean and the traffic inside the stations is not as horrific as it is in Toronto.  I consider this to be a big plus for Montreal.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Challenges: Subway stations in Toronto

If you ever have the chance to travel on the subway in Toronto, then you might as well brace yourself for a challenging experience.  Not only will you encounter tons of folks walking and running in every direction but you will also encounter all kinds of other obstacles.

For someone who is vision impaired, I have had the opportunity to travel on this subway in different ways.  That is, I did it when I had functional vision and now I continue to do it as someone with almost no vision.  I use my vision to help me navigate heavy traffic in the subway stations.  I use it to help me cope and I use it to help me pack huge packages of patience as I prepare to travel on the Toronto subway.

I am afraid that it is only going to get more challenging with time.  Of course, you can choose the times when traffic is at its lowest, if you have that option or opportunity to do so.

Let's say between 10 am and 2 pm would be the best times to travel as freely as you can.  Trust me when I tell you that it is a pure luxury when you, as a vision-impaired person, can travel without too much trepidation.

Once you understand how the lines go, from east to west and from north to south, you can find your way around quite easily.  The lines are quite long but that's how it is for a large city like Toronto.  Stops are announced as the subway arrives at each station and this helps a lot.  Seats are quite comfortable and if you are unable to find a seat then you need to hang on to one of the many poles in the subway.

You may or may not find a good Samaritan who would be willing to give up their seat for you as a vision-impaired person.  It all depends on whether or not their heads are either buried in a book or their eyes are glued to an idevice or that airbuds are stuck in their ears.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A rare and unique friend: Memories of Coranna

Oh, my dear friend:  It is more than a year now since you left us but I still cannot believe that you are gone.  Little did you know how much I appreciated your friendship and I can only say that you came into my life a bit too late.

You helped to shape my advocacy and you taught me how to stand up for my beliefs and stick to my guns.  You helped me to see things more clearly and you never hesitated to share your opinions with me.

You were always firm in everything that you stood for and I know that, for you, there were many challenges for you to overcome as a vision-impaired lady. But this never stopped you.

Thank you for having shared those special moments and times with me. Rest well now until we meet again and please do not forget to keep a place at your table for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A wonderful friend forever: Happy times with Helena

Shopping is not just the only memory that I have with my dear friend, Helena.  No, not in any way, and if I had to recount them all it would probably take me years to do so.

You see, Helena and I became friends when I moved to Toronto from Montreal so many years ago and although we do not see each other much anymore, she is always uppermost in my mind.  I know that she will always be close by if ever I need to reach out.

We had happy times at restaurants, enjoying sumptuous meals.  I spent so many wonderful days at her house, swimming in her pool, sitting in her hot tub, and enjoying the hospitality of her family: her husband Wil, and kids, Nick and Tobi.

I still remember the day when friends at her poolside party dared me to jump from the top of the deck into her pool and there was Wil beside me, at the top, and Helena waiting for me in the pool.  What an experience!

Then there was the day when Nick took me for a ride on his motorcycle and Helena and Wil were standing there waiting for me after I had gotten off the motorcycle.

Then the day that we went shopping and one of us squeezed the bottle of body lotion a bit too vigorously and it burst and there was lotion all over us both!  It was Christmas time and we had to go home on the crowded subway smelling sweetly of body lotion.

So many wonderful days with Helena Nielsen and her family for me to remember and cherish forever.  A rare and wonderful lady with a warm and loving family!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Treasured times: Memories of shopping with Helena

She was special and she was great!  She was delightful and she always managed to fill my shopping days with pure humour, excitement, and at the end of each shopping trip?  I would return home loaded with bags of merchandise.

Helena really knew how to communicate and interact with me as a vision-impaired person.  She went to great lengths to describe everything that I tried on.  She made doubly sure that whatever I chose, it looked good on me and that things matched.  She was always very honest with me and she did it
in style!

I shall always be very grateful for Helena's help, not just as my shopping assistant or a friend but as a Human Being who truly got it!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.takeanother5.com

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan