i love to walk through the park either early in the morning or just after the sun has set. i love to watch the birds frolicking in early morning dew or see the squirrels running from trees with treats. it keeps me grateful for nature and its beauty. i also love to see people walking and picnicking and playing together: couples, old and young; families, big and small; or friends, new and old. it keeps me believing and confident in in the beauty and strength of love and compassion.
i picked this picture because it reminded me of a time i went to the park for my walk and saw two images that have stayed with me. it was late summer and getting cooler. i saw a much older couple take a walk around the entire length of the park. she had on huge, dark sunglasses and walked with the aid of a cane. he had a bit of a hump and a slight stoop. they walked very slowly together, she leaning on him more than the cane and he holding her hand on his arm and guiding her along. as they walked, they leaned their whole bodies towards each other and laughed together. they seemed quite in tune with one another. they never misstepped, they never distanced themselves from each other. and though they laughed together, there was such a sense of peace around them, it was quite a blessing to watch. they seemed to radiate love and it was a pleasure to behold.
they came to the park often, the summer i saw them and each time, they gave my heart a jump start of faith in couples and love and growing older together. i don't get a chance to get to that park often anymore but i hope they are still there, still spreading peace and love through their interactions with each other.
that same day i saw them, i also saw two girls laying on a blanket together. they had music playing, books around them, a bit of food and two bottles of water. they were giggling and whispering together, totally oblivious to the world around them. they were also at peace. a different kind of peace. they seemed content with who they were and what they were doing. at one point, the older couple passed them and i watched as the couple stopped and smiled at the girls and the girls giggled and smiled back and then continued to smile and point after the couple continued on their walk. they were not laughing at the couple but rather enjoying them. even they were affected by the grace and love of the elderly couple.
i though to myself ... the older and the younger generation; they get it even when we think they won't.
it also occurred to me that the couple probably lasted because they were friends as well as lovers.
moreover, if the girls wanted to remain friends for years to come, it would take more than just laughter. but that if they kept the ability to laugh always available to them, it would help. i was also impressed that they were spending time together doing things together and separately. that is how friendship works. each respecting and appreciating the other and allowing each other to be wholly themselves.
so that is where i am today. remembering that even couples need to be friends if they are going to last. and friends need to be able to spend time together and to laugh if they are going to survive the hard times together. and finally, all friends need to remember and be grateful for all the good times together, so they can have many more.
hope you all had a good weekend. hope you had chances to laugh. hope you had moments to remember. hope you have many more ... especially with all your sISTA gIRLS!!!!!!!
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