Day 49

The day began like may others have – Chandler in a hurry to get walking, and me slurping down the last sip of coffee before heading out. I was feeling especially good this morning, because I got a chance to do my laundry and to completely empty and reconfigure the buggy and all my belongings yesterday. As we passed these kites suspended in their animated state, I realized I was feeling a renewed sense of purpose this morning. As Chandler “read the news” on the shrubs, light poles and hydrants, I took a moment to call my Mom and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. It got me thinking about where the tradition came from, but I have to admit I didn’t take the time to find out (yet).

About an hour in to the Walk, I noticed this interesting integration of humankind and nature. I thought the entanglement was fascinating in its simple complexity. It was as if the two had found a way to Peacefully coexist.

Only minutes later, I came across the street sign in the top photo and I couldn’t help but giggle. Oh, by the way, I love to giggle.

What came next was to take the majority of the afternoon, and would remind me of how quickly things can change. I had just turned into an area where there were several tables and chairs next to a burger place, where I had decided to rest a bit. After about five minutes, I heard a woman enter the area and sit down rather noisily. I turned to see what the commotion was, and the woman was just getting onto a call on her cell phone. When she connected, she began crying quite loudly and begging the person on the other end of the phone for a couple of dollars to get the bus to go home. Apparently, the call ended without the woman procuring the funds. When she hung up, she began sobbing hysterically. I turned again and this time, I asked where she had come from. She indicated that her sons were in the restaurant across the street and they had told her to leave. She went on to say that she is an alcoholic and that she needed to drink some this morning to stop her shaking, and that her sons were mad at her. I continued to speak with her for several minutes, as she calmed down. As she relaxed a bit, I told her that I would be happy to give her the couple of dollars for the bus, or I would make some calls to see if I could help her get into a detox facility. She opted for the money. I gave it to her, and she walked toward the bus stop. A few minutes later, she came toward me and asked if I would really help her. I said of course. For the next couple of hours, I made phone calls. First to the local AA hotline to ask for names and numbers of detox facilities, and to see if there was someone available to come and help me. Shortly thereafter, a woman and her husband showed up to help. They brought sandwiches, coffee and water as well. I had contacted two facilities, both of which were full. As we sat talking with this woman, I received a call back from the third facility and they informed me that they had a bed available. Our new friend agreed to go directly to the facility. The husband and wife that came to meet us agreed to transport our new friend to the facility. The three of them got in the car, and I made the decision to continue on my way.

Tonight, I am filled with gratitude for being present and able to help someone in need. I am grateful for the couple who came to help us. I am grateful to have known where to reach out for help And, I am grateful to think that tonight, perhaps, one woman is resting in safety and support.