Have you heard about the Wayland native who walked from Boston to New York with her guide dog?

In 1994, at the age of 46, Sarah Gregory Smith walked this journey in 30 days to raise awareness for the organization Guiding Eyes for the Blind and publicize the importance of guide dogs in general.

Sarah was born in 1948 in Wayland, Massachusetts and attended the local schools. Although she was diabetic from the age of 8, Sarah was an active and enthusiastic child. She learned to play clarinet and developed a passion for music, which carried over for the rest of her life. Sarah also learned to identify birds by their songs and continued to love birding well after she lost her sight.

In 2007, Sarah wrote some remembrances as a graduate of the Wayland High School class of 1966. “I am one of those small number of 1966 grads who began school at the Center School in Wayland Center. I know that it is gone now, but one of the strange privileges of blindness is being able to still ‘see’ the way things used to be. I can still see that long brown and white building with the huge elms in front.” Among the memories, Sarah discusses some of the joys of Wayland such as skating on Mill Pond.

Sarah taught 5th grade until she was about 30. At that time, she could no longer see due to complications of type I diabetes. She relied on guide dogs to help her as she continued teaching music and dance. While blind, Sarah also worked as a licensed social worker, contra dance caller and farmer. In 2001, Sarah and her guide dog Perry became the subject of a children’s book entitled “Looking Out for Sarah.” In Sarah’s own words, “Having a beautiful lively dog at my side has provided a window into a joyful life of hiking and walking. I have continued to experience all the adventures of working, shopping and visiting friends which I had as a sighted person.” (penbaypilot.com)

Sarah met her husband through the music world and they performed together throughout southern New England. Perhaps with the loss of sight, Sarah had a heightened sixth sense, because she is described as one who could “read a room” like no other.

In addition to Sarah’s musical prowess and determination, she enjoyed sailing her 33’ ketch with assistance from an audio compass. Her pioneering skills and contributions help shape a vision of a full and impactful life for those with or without sight.

Sarah recently passed away in February of this year, survived by her husband, two brothers, a sister, nieces, nephews, and her guide dog to continue her legacy.

Contributed by Amanda Ciaccio