I have always enjoyed walking.
My father was a HUGE walker.
In fact, it was one of the things he was known for. He walked (and talked).
When he passed away, the church was filled with his “walking friends.”
These were people that I didn’t know, but they came up to me to introduce themselves and always had a little story about how they used to see him out walking. He would stop and chat with them, listen to their stories and often give them a few gems of his wisdom. They all mentioned that they noticed he had been missing (when he got sick) and wondered and asked around to other “usual walkers” until they found out what had happened. They all made it to his funeral and were so saddened by his death – missing seeing him walk the miles daily.
While he was in hospital, shortly after his cancer spread to his bones, he was unable to bear any weight, thus unable to walk. He turned to me one day, while I sat quietly beside his hospital bed nursing 3 month old Josh, and said, “I sometimes feel like I am walking. I feel my legs moving and I feel like I am going for a walk.”
When he died, I was comforted to know that he was out walking among angels, simply on the other side of the veil. And, that when needed, he would come and walk beside me.
I know, one short month ago, he was walking the halls of the two hospitals in Utah where they were saving Rob.
Rob started cardiac rehab while in Utah, and of course, the main exercise— walking. He started with walking about 3-4 minutes (looping the nursing station), but we were quickly moving up to rounding the block of my brother and sister in law’s neighbourhood for 15- 20min.
Since returning home, he is still awaiting cardiac rehab here (for those who hear the wonder stories of the amazing healthcare system in Canada, I will have to share some of my stories to dispel the myth…) but that has not stopped him from his daily walks. Now they have increased to 40 minutes, and he is power walking.
So, when I read this quote by Nietzsche, I knew it was our quote of the week:
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
Not only is it good for your heart, it is good for your brain!
And as I saw with my father, it is good for your relationships, and it is good for the soul.
Get walking.
Oh how I love this Leah!!! I love the history of your sweet father out walking the miles and connecting with others as he walked. I hate the story of you STILL waiting for cardiac rehab, but love the progress hubs is making!!
My greatest prayers and revelations come when I am out walking.
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Could love this more and you totally reminded me of my great-grandfather, who lived to be 103 years old, who walked everyday of his life. When asked why he did, he told all who would listen that when death came knocking he wouldn’t be home, but out walking!! 🙂
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I almost want to do it right now but it is POURING out right now and I have to go to a Passover Seder tonight.
Tomorrow, then. And I’ll think of you and Rob and your dad.
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Love the story about your Dad. Made me think of my own. I lost him almost 10 years ago and there is not a day that I don’t miss him. I’m so glad that Rob is now power walking his way to recovery. And like you – I know your Dad is walking beside you. 🙂
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Love the story about your dad walking and his buddies. So glad that he “walked with you” when you needed him most.
And, sorry that Rob hasn’t been able to start rehab but glad he is power walking with you.
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beautifuil post…I remember so well at your Dad’s funeral how you spoke about his walking.
Very very heartfelt post….
I bet he was and is watching over you and your family all the time.
love LK
I would, of course replace “walking” with “running!” Such a beautiful story of your dad. And, I think of the most amazing and wonderful things when I’m out running…it’s one of the many things running gives to me.
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What a touching story, Leah. I always walk when I need to clear my head. It’s so therapeutic. Great quote!
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How wonderful that he touched so many people! I have to agree with your quote…walking or running clears my head and allows me to see things more clearly.
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