TT 2 WALKING and where it leads

 

Back in my mid-20s, on my usual four miles a day walk — a habit I had ignited in high school — but now with two small sons with me, one lying in buggy, one sitting on top, I remember very clearly, like it was yesterday, the day when I saw an old woman approach from the other direction on the narrow sidewalk. She looked scared, defeated. As if she knew she would be ignored.

My mind, usually so busy I hardly noticed what was going on around me, inexplicably let go. I stopped, and rolled slightly to one side, enough to make it easy for her to pass. As she did there was such a shining light of appreciation in her eyes. Her opened heart found my heart — and opened it. Lifted me out of daily doldrums. An astonishing moment.

Ever since then, I’ve been enjoying hugely these chance meetings with folks who are walking in the opposite direction. Usually, they at least respond to my smile, by smiling themselves. Our hearts lift, briefly, mutually. I’d say about 95% of passers-by do greet me. Once in a while of course, there is the outlier, who basically finds me, an old woman much like the one I stopped for nearly 60 years ago, invisible. And, yes, these days, there’s likely something in his or her ears, occupying attention otherwise.

That happened this morning. But it is so exceedingly rare! And here’s what’s weird: every time it does, I am still crestfallen! Luckily, I also notice my automatic reaction; so do not take it personally.

And of course, having Scampi with me is key to an almost guaranteed repartee, IF the other person also walks with a dog. As we approach, I ask, “Okay if we say hello?” Usually, the other is eager. Once in a blue moon, the walker says his dog is too rambunctious, or “doesn’t like other dogs.” But even that refusal sometimes dissolves, thanks to Scampi’s curiosity, his fearless approach to another dog, no matter what its size, or temperament.

And when we dog walkers do meet and talk, often while continuously uncrossing the leashes our dogs are continuously crossing in their utter eagerness to get to know each other, of course, our conversation centers on our dogs. Their names, ages, breeds, how long we’ve had them, etc. This “factual” conversation hides something much more profound: connection, real, genuine, authentic connection between two human beings who are learning from their dogs how to be real, in the moment, no matter what.

P.S. Yes. GOD IS DOG SPELLED BACKWARDS.