Day 1495

The Golden Halo loves their walks! The only two that venture out in tandem are Gus and Ranger. Our thirteen-year-old is slowing down a bit, so we go at his pace. He chooses the turns and speed while Gus and I follow his lead. Ranger still loves his walks…just a bit slower.

I vividly remember going next door to walk my own Nanny to The Big White House for dinner. She would often eat with our family of four and often cook for us in turn. In her 90’s, she was still independent and her memory was amazing. What a wonderful gift to our family!

One evening, I ran across the yard to her front door to escort her to our house for supper. When my mom would announce that the meal was almost ready, she would ask someone to “Walk Nanny over.” I was always the one who jumped up to do just that!

On one walk, she seemed a bit slower than usual, so I matched her pace. She apologized for being so “pokey” and suggested I run ahead. Even though I only had a couple decades under my belt, I remember getting a catch in my throat and tears threatened. My response…”Nanny! I bet you never left me behind when I was a toddler! I am not leaving you behind now. We have always walked together no matter what! That will never change!”

Now, I look at my big boy and say those words to him. He might not understand the spoken message, but he understands our bond and the love we share. We just slow our pace so we can walk side-by-side. Sometimes, that is what love looks like.