I've Never Met My Everyday Hero

I've never met this woman although I see daily, sometimes more. I'd love to tell her how much I admire her, but I don't know her.

She walks around our neighborhood at least once a day. She's out there in heat, in cold, in rain. She doesn't use a cane. She walks alone. 


I don't know her age, but I'm sure she is at least 70. She has a permanent bend to her spine, like a question mark and one of her arms is permanently stuck out from her side as if she is holding a large package under that arm.

But she walks. 

I've noticed her walking for at least a year. Lately I have begun to marvel at the improvement she has made. She walks so much faster now and seems to be standing up straighter. I know she has a story to tell, but I don't know it.

So, I've made one up for her. She was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that will slowly pull her skeletal system out of alignment. It will become harder for her to move and to carry out daily activities. The doctor told her that exercise will help to slow the disease, but he didn't really have confidence that she would do anything about it.

But this lady did not give up. She did not feel sorry for herself, she attacked. She began walking everyday as far as she could. It began as a couple of loops around the block, but soon she was walking a few miles everyday. It isn't easy for her to make her stiff body obey the commands to walk again and again, but she does it. Her doctor is amazed at her progress and she is feeling better everyday. 

It would be easier to sit at home and feel sorry for herself. It would be easier to take the pain medications and let others do her housework. But that wouldn't do for this lady. She doesn't take anything lying down.

My walking friend: Each time I see you I think of perseverance and self-assurance. You make me smile. You are my hero.