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Walking Home

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“We are all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass

“Good morning,” I said quickly before he could turn away. I couldn’t wait to talk to another human being…someone–anyone–about anything. Like everyone around me, I had been holed up in my home for far too many days due to the Coronavirus.

“Well, good morning,” he smiled, slightly startled, but pleasantly so. He was an elderly man whose home was on the route I took each day for my morning walk. I was accustomed to seeing him working in his yard but could not remember ever exchanging much more than a neighborly nod or wave.

That’s it...I sighed to myself…that’s always it with strangers…but he paused, lifted his head and walked towards me through his gate. The sun glinted off his silver hair and I could see a sparkle in his eyes behind the glasses that he wore. We stood our obligatory 6 feet apart and made the unspoken decision to have a conversation.

“How are you doing, with the virus?” I started. “Everything going all right here?”

“Oh yes,” he chuckled. “The wife and I never go anywhere. We run out to get our groceries around 7 AM before anyone’s around, but other than that we stick close to home. You?”

We continued talking…about the news, the loneliness, the depressing state of things. But then we mentioned the glorious sun and how lovely it was to be outside and to meet new people.

Eventually, it was time to move on.

“I’m Amy, by the way,” I added before walking away.

“Nice to meet you Amy. And I’m John.”

I had walked by this man and his home many times in the 12 years I’ve lived in my community, but it wasn’t until the Coronavirus that I took the time to talk to him…and learn his name.

cloud-in-heart-shape-in-blue-sky

Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Andersen

I am a mother, a blogger and the author of the memoir Pitter-Pat: A Mother's Journey from Loss to New Life. I am currently in training to be a life coach through Martha Beck's Wayfinder Life Coach Training Program. I write about grief, love, and the beauty of new beginnings. My other interests are meditating, walking outside and doing pretty much anything that brings me closer to nature.

7 Comments

  1. April 21, 2020
    Reply

    Crazy, eh? I’ve had a few of these experiences too. Definitely getting more in touch with what truly matters❤️

    • awakeningwildflower
      April 21, 2020
      Reply

      Yes, we need to find the sunshine, even amidst the clouds. Thanks for commenting 🙂

  2. April 21, 2020
    Reply

    the virus does bring out some good things, one day at a time.

  3. Dawn Myers
    April 21, 2020
    Reply

    Good message Amy… for all of us

  4. May 25, 2020
    Reply

    Our neighbors have been friendly and out and about while keeping the social distance. I cannot wait for this to be over to spend some time really visiting. Good post.

    • awakeningwildflower
      May 25, 2020
      Reply

      I think we are all hoping for a speedy return to life… I know I am. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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