I recently received a book from my family that combines two interests: walking and reading. The book, "In Praise of Walking" by Shane O'Mara, celebrates the joys, health benefits, and mechanics of walking. It emphasizes the importance of getting out of our chairs and discovering a happier, healthier, more creative self.
Walking By Frog Pond
We Are Alive in Order to Help Each Other!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 51 seconds
During my morning walk, I took a shortcut through the wetlands by crossing a concrete barrier over the stream and turning left. Along the way, I saw a few people walking or fishing. As I approached the frog pond, I noticed a young woman’s head on the side of the path. At first, I thought she was tying her shoes or baiting her fishing line, but then she stood up.
The woman suddenly jogged towards me and said, “I kept thinking I might fall, and then I did.” I asked if she was okay, and she confirmed that she was. As she ran behind me, I noticed the tree roots interlaced across the pathway and worried my plodding feet might trip on them. She was much younger than me and more agile. After wishing her a good day, I continued my walk.
Walking by the bakery the next day, I greeted the staff with a friendly wave. Suddenly, someone called, “Hey, Mr. Have a Nice Day! Do you remember me from Nomehagan Park yesterday when I fell?” It was one of the bakers who delivered baked goods to Track 5 every morning. I realized that she was also the person who had slipped in the park’s wetlands.
When I asked her how she was doing after the fall, she replied, “I’m fine, just a scrape. Thank you for asking. It seems like most people don’t care about their neighbors, but you’re different and genuinely concerned.”
This conversation reminded me of the importance of caring for others. While many praised me for handling my grief on Memorial Day, this woman validated my humanity and made me reflect on the significance of empathy.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Even though grief is currently the main focus of my life, I have found comfort in taking walks. Walking helps me to clear my mind, stay physically active, and feel connected to my loved ones. Each step brings me closer to Jan, the love of my life, and reminds me that love never dies; it can be reignited with every step we take.
In Praise of Walking
A Croaking Symphony
We Are Alive in Order to Help Each Other!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 51 secondsThe area I know as the Frog Pond may have a different name on a wetlands map. However, for me, it is the perfect name. When I first walked that path years ago, the pond had frogs on all the tree limbs, rocks, and shorelines. Jan was always fascinated by the sound of the frogs. She never joined me on my long, meandering walks, but if she had perambulated with me by Frog Pond, it would have become one of her favorite destinations.
They were all serenading me with a croaking symphony. However, I found the music soothing, making my walk more pleasurable. It’s unlikely that NJPAC or Lincoln Center will feature it in the upcoming season, but I’ll find more pleasure in my walks with the delightful sounds of the frogs.
