I don’t want to talk about it!

I am done talking about my weight: I like myself the way I am. I am done talking (at least for now) about the Yankees: I hope we win the World Series and I will support them forever (especially the captain Jeter) but I have my concerns.

Hello New York City, the world, and cyber-space:

Thanks to all of you who made my internship and semester go smoothly. This seems to have been a successful time for me, and I am appreciative of all of those who helped me along the way. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I feel that I am in a positive place right now. I am happy about who I am, hopeful about the future, and I am trying to be optimistic.
I experienced a very disturbing incident yesterday. I was walking down Lexington avenue (towards the Lighthouse for the blind on 59th street) when someone grabbed my backpack before I was about to cross the street. He didn’t really remove it from my back; he just took hold of it very strongly. When I asked the stranger why he would do such a thing, he replied “there’s a big puddle in front of you.” While I was a little glad that I avoided the water, I was more frightened by this man’s actions. Do people think that the only way to communicate to a person who is blind is to grab them or their belongings? I can’t tell you the amount of times that someone has either grabbed my arm or pushed me in order to “help” or “guide” me. Your intentions are good, but your actions have a negative impact.
I want to say this to all of you: (this will sound like a simple thing, but it is rarely done): If you would like to help someone who is blind, you should actually ask them how you can help! Don’t grab me, push me, or try to steal my backpack. I am a human, aren’t I? I am just like you, how would you like it if I grabbed your purse and then said “watch out for that puddle.” I think you get my point; this kind of thing really makes me frustrated. Sometimes I feel like I’M the only “normal” one, but then again, what does that even mean?
Your cliché of the day: do unto others as others would do unto you.
What should I talk about next? There are a limitless amount of possibilities. I would like your input on this please.
Dan

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