Little Old Lady

Finally, it was my day off. This week had been long, but of course, it was no longer than any other. I knew that this weekend needed to be different. It needed something new. There was no way I could sit at my computer or confine myself in my room. I really needed out. I decided a bit of fresh air would do me some good.

A walk was the perfect idea. After all, the sun was out and the winter's chill had long since left us. I began walking. Plugged in to my iPod, I related to the lyrics and considered the songs one after another in my own context of life. It was great to have some fresh air.

As I continued on, I noticed a little old lady coming towards me. She was walking as well, but time and life had certainly taken its toll on her body. She was hunched over and walking with hands clasped behind her. She was very petite and I wondered if years before she had once been taller? She walked very slow, in small shuffling steps, but nonetheless with direction. I wondered if she was someone's mother, grandmother, or sister? Where was she going? Or, was she simply taking a walk for some fresh air just as I was?

We passed each other and it occurred to me that my bike was still parked at work. I knew it was the perfect weather to continue on, pick up my bike, and ride it all the way back home. When I reached my bike, I placed my things in the basket, turned up my iPod and headed home. I had completely forgotten about that little old lady. But, as I rode my bike, I saw the very same woman continuing towards me. I had covered almost my entire trip to and from work before she had even made it home. I realized how lucky I was to be in good health. I realized how lucky she was to be able to walk and enjoy life. Then I considered the reason why fate had brought us together again.

We go through life surrounded by strangers. Each individual with their own path is surrounded by strangers themselves. However, on occasion, you notice someone, or something. A bird perched outside your window all day sings to you as you clean your house. A bug sits beside you at the bus stop happily shaded from the sun. A baby smiles at you from her mother's lap on the train. A little old lady walks beside you on your quest for fresh air. I have always considered the reasons why we notice some things as opposed to others. Why do some people become a part of our life and make a mark on our memory while others just fade away into their own journeys?

We can never know why certain people places or things impact our life or our memories, but I am content to know that they hold a small or a big place in my life's journey. And perhaps even I hold a place in the memories and journeys of others..... -M