Saturday, August 13, 2011

I forgot


The contrast between the dark, concrete stairway and the dim, just- after- dawn light on the north side of my apartment building was slight in terms of lighting, but massive in terms of conditions. From  warm, (overly-so) and  dusty;  to cool , early morning air that smelled new and fresh with a wind that was more than a breeze but less than a gust, blowing directly into my face, blowing my hair back, blowing wonderful possibilities into this day.  It is a Saturday no less, a day that I can use as I choose, no one else’s agenda having precedence over my own.  I stood there for a brief moment, breathing the energy and life in. I got myself situated, my keys in position, my music located on the device, the headphones in place.

I stepped out, ready to use the energy running through me. My favorite Chris Brown song is blasting in my ears, my legs working hard and fast, my body sort of half dancing in step to the beat. As I rounded the corner I went from dim light to sunlight peeking over the building next to me, and noticed a woman walking toward me from opposite direction. She was a tall woman, larger than me, with long, honey colored hair hanging down her back, bits around her face blowing in the wind.  Her natural complexion was tinted red with exertion, even though she was somewhat meandering in my direction. As she approached, I was also sort of dancing, walking, toward her. Once close enough,  I looked right at her, a smile spreading broadly across my face. She too, broke out into a happy expression and our eyes made contact. In that instant, the joy on her face mirrored my own. The joy of a beautiful late summer morning, the joy of a wind blowing the both of us along, the joy of the freedom that is always available but rarely acknowledged…. the joy.

For that moment, that very brief moment in time, I forgot the searing electric pain running through my lower half, forgot that each of my legs are actually stumps and rarely work the way that God intended them to. I forgot that I will be paying for this early activity by giving up most of the rest of my day. I forgot that my future may well not include this freedom to walk, the freedom to feel the satisfied fatigue that comes with hard exercise, or even the gift of movement on a beautiful summer morning. As I nodded my head and smiled wide and shared this beautiful experience with the only other person on this earth at that moment, I forgot.  And it was awesome. 

13 comments:

Coffeypot said...

Wow! It even made me feel good. Hope your day is as nice and painless, too.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A wonderful write which was very enjoyable to read.

Do have a good week-end.
Yvonne.

On The Road Again said...

Take each precious moment as it comes, enjoy it for what it is and don't allow it to be clouded by the possibilities that lurk in the future. I am so happy you had that glorious moment.

Annabel said...

Wonderfully written post. You have a way with words. Thanks for sharing.

Leann said...

What a wonderful start to your day. It was well written as well. I was eager to see where it led :-)

Enjoy the remainder of the day my dear.

Blessed be.

Cheryl said...

You will find a 'new normal,' somehow, and find beauty in that too. You're a survivor. You have always found your joy, and it will be much easier to see when the pain isn't blocking your view. That damn pain just has to go away!

Lena said...

Yes, so well written!

I wish there was something that would make that pain go far, far, away from u. I believe in miracles and I will pray for one for u.

You deserve it.

Mary said...

Lovely post. I pray the pain forgot where it has been living and you had a whole day of joy.

Ruth said...

I am glad you were able to enjoy the moment for a time.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

This posting brought a smile to my face and lifted my mood thank you for that.......

THINGS YOU'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME said...

I wish we could truly know how the person we're passing truly feels. If you and I passed each other and could exchange pain, we'd instantly trade back and feel better in another way.

It's amazing and heartbreaking what we are able to adjust to.

You, my dear, deserved that morning and more.

Anonymous said...

I was on the upbeat step with you all the way.....I think you must be gettin laid! Acknowledge the JOY!

Maria said...

I'm impressed. I'm lucky that I have a dog that needs to be walked otherwise I would never get any exercise...