Monday 30 April 2018

Walking



Walking has always been a problem for me, what with gait and balance issues.  That said, it didn’t bother me much as a child, or at least I can’t remember it doing so.  Now an old biddy, joints ache, knees give way and I fall now and again – but I get up and just carry on.  I know that in part, this is my fault for since retiring I have become sedentary and ‘use it or lose it’ kicks in and walking is tiring, not quite painful – but I ache and tire like crazy.  Only this weekend I have realised that only I can address this and I have begun to walk around the house for five minutes every two hours, but this eventually will become every hour and I will benefit from this.  I will become fitter.

But you my love, I remember walking with you.  I remember you walking me to the bus stop when we first met. I remember you walking me home after our first date and how you shook my hand at my front door and I thought I’d never see you again – but I did.  I remember how thrilled we were when our sons took their first steps and I remember walking (secretly) behind them when they wanted to walk to school alone.   I now walk (reluctantly) into your care home to visit you, for I find it hard to bear that most of the time you don’t know who I am.

Oh those little steps,
salad days then summer till
autumn befalls us…

Anna :o]

For dVerse where Björn  asks us to write about walking.

Image:  Courtesy of  Wikimedia Commons
Author:  Tomascastelazo

16 comments:

tonispencer said...

Oh Anna, we go from childhood to sorrow in a short bit. I am so sorry. This is truly heartbreaking.

Vaccinius said...

I find this quite beautiful. Life is not a matter of walking. What matters is the love we share, which never grows old and vanishes, kept in memory and refreshed whenever God gives. Thank, You, Lord.

Frank Hubeny said...

Beautiful memories of those walks through life!

jo said...

This is such a bittersweet journey as you walk through your life. Well done!

D Avery said...

How very poignant. And inspiring. I need to get out more. Now.

Mish said...

This brought a tear to my eye. A beautiful expression of love and the memorable walks of life. Keep walking!!

Kim M. Russell said...

From one biddy to another, I know those gait and balance issues, Anna! My husband laughs at me for bumping into things and falling over. He remembers me when I was at school and could walk and run all day. It's easier to get walking again with another person. I love your story of meeting at the bus stop and shaking hands after walking home from your first date. I remember visiting my mum in the care home and the feeling of joy in those moments when I was certain she knew who I was. Keep walking, Anna.

brudberg said...

I love this a lot... how walking is not what it was, how it changed from the joy of walking in company to a chore of walking around the house. To visit someone you love like that is a walk that is always heavy. I hope you find a new joy in walking from your exercises.

Sarah Russell said...

Tears here, Anna. What a beautiful haibun. It’s hard to keep on keeping on, but we need to.

annell4 said...

I am glad you are walking in the house, and soon you will walk outside. You have written a sad write, I hold a place for you in my heart. As my Sister says, "Getting older is not for pussies!" xoxo

Amaya said...

Our steps may become fewer over the years but never less intentional or meaningful. My prayers are with you and your love.

Martin said...

Keep walking outside and inhale spring : )

AnotherFearlessYear.net said...

Very touching take on the prompt, not focused on a single walk but on how walking has permeated your beautiful life in so many ways.

Cedarwind said...

I like how you shift from present to past to present illuminating the place of walking in your life...a moving haibun.

Whippet Wisdom Blog said...

A very moving haibun Anna, so bittersweet and with beautiful memories. It is so important to keep moving, sometimes it is easier in water (hydrotherapy and other pool-based exercise). Sending you love and courage across the miles xxx

lynn__ said...

A heart-tugging haibun, Anna. I hope you keep walking, even reluctantly...your love still needs you.