Today was one of those days that starts with a little adventure and ends with a sense of fulfillment. The plan was simple: take the girls to our neighborhood library for story time. We booked a Lyft, and off we went, eager for a fun morning. However, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as planned. Our Lyft driver seemed a bit confused and dropped us off at the wrong location.
When we were dropped off, I felt a bit of uncertainty creeping in. As someone who is blind, I rely on my senses and memory to navigate familiar places, but this spot didn’t feel quite right. The sound of traffic and the layout underfoot didn’t match my recollection of the library’s entrance. I could sense the girls’ excitement shifting to a bit of confusion, so I decided it was best to ask for some help. Thankfully, a kind soul at the community center was nearby, and they were more than willing to aid us. With a few quick directions, we learned that the library was actually just across the street. A wave of relief washed over me, and we carefully made our way across, ready to dive into our planned morning of stories and adventures.
As we crossed the street, the excitement in the air was palpable. The girls were already chattering about the books they might get.
Once inside, we were greeted by the warm, familiar smell of books and the friendly faces of the library staff. We settled into the children’s area, where story time was already on its way. The girls where all ears as the librarian brought the characters to life with her animated storytelling.
After story time, the library had a little surprise for the kids—a scavenger hunt! The girls were thrilled, and off they went, searching high and low for the items on their list. It was heartwarming to see their teamwork, with Maria helping Marwa and Marwa helping Maria, whispering clues to each other, and dashing between the bookshelves. After some dedicated searching, they found everything on their lists and were rewarded with a small prize. Their squeals of delight and happiness was priceless.
With the scavenger hunt complete, the girls spent some time playing with the toys and exploring the bookshelves, each finding a little corner to immerse themselves in their own little world of stories and adventures. Time flew by, and soon it was time to check out.
Maria picked out a book to bring home and I took out a book for exploring colors more with the kids.
Back at home, Maria and Marwa had some time to play while Safa took a nap. It was a good moment for me to introduce a little geography lesson. I taught the girls the cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. To make it fun and interactive, we made small signs and put them up around the room showing each direction. It turned into a bit of a game, and they seemed to enjoy learning through play, something I’ve always believed in.
Now, as we wind down from our day, we’re waiting to see what’s on the menu for dinner. It’s been a simple, yet enriching day filled with stories, games, learning, and lots of fun. Days like these remind me of the beauty of small adventures and the joy of learning together. It’s these little moments that make everyday life so special.
The Dappled Odysseys 