SPEED
I have been fastened to the speed of my feet.
Counting steps and blocks and minutes
And hours
Don't forget the hours
Spent in ticking tocking walking.
I sold my roller blades and my bike
Traded my haste in on a white cane
And tried to resign myself
To shank's mare.
My steed yesterday was of a different shade, Racing blue like hummingbirds or hope.
I climbed on, blind girl in the back
And fully sighted driver took the fore.
First came a path, shadow-strewn and cool Creek muttering and giggling quietly to the right.
Leaves sifted sunlight through quivering fingers And the wind lifted summer spices on the cooling breeze.
Then was traffic.
Cars appeared, as always for me
Suddenly in the window of my sight.
I wanted to be afraid, simply out of habit, But my pilot was so sure and deft That I grinned and trusted and peddled.
We passed them, too,
Not victors in the straight,
But always catching them at the lights,
And leaping through the intersections
Too quick for their growling, hot engines.
I was faster than buses
I was swifter than taxis
It was just a bike, I know, just a tandem cycle, But freedom laughed through my hair with the wind.
Sunshine and speed fed my heart and muscles And oh, you'd think I was flying.
"MARY"
I had such a great day today, I’m bursting to tell you all about it:
This morning for about an hour, I was on Okanagan Lake in the front (cockpit?) of a two-man kayak, for the first time in my life! (I had a two-bladed paddle, but it turned out to be more for decoration than effect. Note to self: Need to eat more spinach.)
Out on the water, the cool breezes made it feel like 20OC, compared to 35OC onshore. Sunscreen & wide-brimmed hat are standard equipment, for you worrywarts out there (Greg, Dad).
And two weeks ago, I was securely & firmly strapped into a “Trailrider” – a one-wheel rickshaw – manned (peopled?) in front & behind by two strong young folk.
What a romp I had! Up & down steep trails, over rocks, bridges, you name it – the Trailrider climbed over it! I never thought I’d be able to hike & explore again. Now I can go just about anywhere anyone else can! Amazing!
"Derek"
“My experience as a disabled person wanting to try kayaking was second to none from start to finish. From the ease of finding your web site with information, getting in the kayak, going through all the safety information and procedures in a very professional manner, to getting out of the kayak and wanting to go again.”
“CRIS has opened up many opportunities for the disabled in the Okanagan Valley. Without their involvement, hiking or kayaking would not exist for the disabled. It has made a significant impact in my life and has opened up a whole new world for me to explore.”
"Mike"
“CRIS programs gave me back my independence and reawakened my sense of adventure."
"Jeff"
“My trip to Bowron Lakes was a turning point in my life!”
"Sterling"
“There has been no greater force for change and evolution in my life than my involvement with the CRIS program”
“What a trip! It was the time of our lives. Fresh air, good friends, lots and lots of laughs.”
"Ryan"
“I get a real sense of freedom when I’m out on the road or the lake and don’t need to use my white cane.”
"Bill"