Crossing Paths

It is time to write about this because I don’t want to lose this experience to the cobwebs I call my mind these days.

There was a stranger. I said three words to him in a fleeting instance. But the message resonated with him. And he returned the favor. That kindred moment left me changed.

............................

In celebration of Mother’s Day, I wanted to challenge myself to an extra long hike. Maggie, my lovely daughter and faithful co-hiker and I set off on that glorious May morning. We started at the northern most boundary of North Blackwell, leaving from Gary’s Mill Road and continued through open land, past McKee Marsh, as still as a mirrored table top, then crossed Mack Road into South Blackwell, passing through fields and old growth woods. It was just right, with good smells and lots of birds and blooms to notice.

The stranger came jogging towards us when we were maybe halfway to our goal. The usual nod and a smile were given that we people on the path always share. Because we shared more than the path, we shared the good feeling of just being there.

The stranger had his goal and we had ours. As we neared the parking lot along Butterfield Road at the end of our two hour walk, he came up behind us, still jogging. I said the three words in the one second when he was at our heels, just loud enough for him to hear. And he was gone. 

I try to make a point of telling someone what I notice about them, especially if it is positive. We all need to hear that if it is true. We all need to speak it if it is true. This was such a case.

At last Maggie and I reached the car we had left waiting for us, tired but grinning. The stranger was in the parking lot too. He approached me and said very little. He said that my words gave him encouragement at a time when he needed it and wanted me to know that. He did not need to say this, but he did. It warmed me in a way that has stuck with me. 

............................

To satisfy your curiosity, I will tell you what my three words were, although I should warn you, it may end up detracting from the story. Think about it before reading:

                                                                                                                                                                                  I admire you.