Day 404 (a reflection)

On day 20 of the Walk for Peace, I met a man named Bruce in San Rafael, CA. I met him in front of Mike’s bikes, after getting the brake and tire repaired on the buggy. Bruce was excited about the Walk, and asked if he could jump for Peace instead of Walking. This picture shows Bruce’s jump.

On day 26, I met Bruce a second time. We sat and visited for about a half an hour, and Bruce shared with me about his involvement in the Peace movement as a young man and into present time. It was a lovely visit, and I was pleased to have met Bruce again.

On Day 404, I was invited to participate in a Climate March with a my dear friend Anne Grete, and another new friend Amy. The three of us marched with approximately 300 other folks in support of protecting our environment. Along the route, we were escorted by police. At one point, I had the chance to thank this police officer and to have my picture taken with him. We ended in a small park in San Anselmo, CA, where we rested befor beginning the Walk back to the car.

What happened next was quite a surprise. As we made our way back along the route, I could feel the presence of a someone walking just behind me. When I turned to acknowledge the person, I realized I had seen him before. “Is your name Bruce?”, I asked. He nodded and wondered aloud how I knew that. I mentioned our meetings of more than a year ago, and he smiled as he began to recall our encounters.

For the next mile or so, Bruce and I walked along side one another, and I heard stories of his participation in the Peace movement over the years, names of people he’d worked with, and memories of times when he was fully engaged in Peace work. And of course, I asked if he would be willing to take a picture with me, which he happily agreed to.

As I Walked with Anne Grete, Amy and the rest of the people that day, I felt as if we were connected to one another in alignment around taking care of our planet. And, as I Walked with Bruce, I was filled with a sense of gratitude for this kind hearted, soft spoken gentleman who feels as passionately about Peace as I do. I Walked for Peace that day, and I had the great honor of being the student of one who has Walked as well.