Dear Reader,
Why is it such a big deal? I don't know, but I sure find a lot of excuses not to do it. I used to simply open the front door, turn left at the end of my driveway and start walking--and it felt wonderful. But for some reason now, before I can go for a walk, I have to go through a list of "I'll do it later excuses." It's too hot (I live in Florida), I'm too tired, it might rain, I'm not feeling real good, maybe I should take a nap?"
But the other day, I discovered if I make my walk an "errand" then it doesn't feel like I'm just walking for the exercise, but rather I'm on a mission. So I relax and take in the scenery, as you're meant to do on a nice, afternoon walk, and it's fun.
It was Sunday, the post office was closed, but part of the lobby was open, and I needed to go in and get three express boxes for chocolate chip cookies I was sending out to cookie winners on Monday. Mission in hand, I set out on a walk.
No one else was in the post office lobby and the parking lot was empty except for one van. The hatch on the back was up and a woman was sitting with her legs hanging over the bumper. She was holding a shoe box filled with photos, taking them out one-by-one and admiring them. Her van was completely filled with boxes and some clothes on hangers.
It wasn't until later, on my way back home that I wondered 'Does that woman live in her car and she parks there on Sunday, because the post office is closed and no one will bother her?' I was very troubled, because it felt like she didn't have any intention of going anywhere, because she was Home.
I can't get the woman out of my mind. Tears come when I think of her sitting in the back of her van, with the hatch open as she's thumbing through a box of photos. Next Sunday my "errand" is to walk to the post office to look for the woman, and if she's there, I'm saying "Hello" and I'm going to make a new friend.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
Recent Comments