Day 53

This morning’s walk out of the hills of Richmond brought me through a neighborhood where this tree stood. I was fascinated by the strength of the trunk – curved so dramatically and balanced so beautifully so that the limbs could grow toward the light and the space they needed. I likened it to a sense of utter self care; reaching, stretching and grasping the very elements necessary not only to survive, but also to thrive.

Not more than a couple of miles into the Walk, Chandler met a fan in David. David and his brother own an auto repair shop, and when we walked by the entrance, David got really excited at seeing Chandler. We talked about the dachshunds he had as a child, and he just scratched and petted Chandler like they’d known each other for ever. I told David about our Walk, and he wanted to be sure we are safe as we travel. He also talked about the gift of companionship that animals are, and mentioned that I was lucky to have her. I, of course, couldn’t agree more!

Later in the day, I was approached by Michael and Lynn – the brother and sister-in-law of a good friend of mine (named Connie), who live in the area I was walking to. Lynn has been following the Walk on FB, and Connie has spoken to her family at different times about what I am doing, so when they saw I was in their city, Michael and Lynn came looking for me. We visited a bit, and agreed that we’d have supper together at the end of the walk day. I got their number, and continued to walk.

When I got to my ending point, I stopped for a cup of coffee. My back was to the door, and the buggy was pushed up under a table, and I was quietly sipping my coffee when I was approached by a young woman  who inquired as to whether I might know a woman named Connie. I said yes, and she introduced herself to me as Roxanne, Connie’s God daughter. She said Connie had shown her a picture of me, and that she recognized the back of my shirt. We talked very briefly, and with that, she was off – headed back to work.

Still following? Roxanne is Lynn and Michael’s daughter! The fun part is that neither Lynn and Michael nor Roxanne had any idea that I had seen the other! How fun is that?

Michael and Lynn and I had a really nice supper together, and they invited me to stay in their home tonight. Look for a picture of us tomorrow.

Peace.