March,
living up to its reputation, was in full lion-mode Saturday morning. The
wind bit savagely but, fortunately, it was offset by gorgeous winter sunshine -
and maybe that is what enticed such a
good number of walkers out on a bitter day.
I felt good, I think because, despite the
cold, the light bore the promise of
better days to come. I managed to keep
up with my speedy companions Jo Ann and Lynn all the way round. We then looped
back to pick up those behind us (none of whom were 'stragglers' Susan!)
Over breakfast I stripped off two of my four layers and settled in to enjoy
my food and, even more, the swirling, meandering, funny, serious, wide-ranging conversations
that are the joy of these occasions. Where else would you cover the drama and comedy of taking a dog on an
airplane trip, deep philosophical questions about allocation of expensive
health care, instructions on how to use the iPhone camera and so much more.
I
love the ripples of laughter that erupt at regular intervals but am also aware
of an undercurrent of a more serious unspoken communication across the group.
Not sure how to characterize it but it is a sort of underlying tenderness that
recognizes our collective fragile humanity.
It says "You are safe here regardless of what you are dealing with.
Some one of us will be able to share your pain or your joy."
Very comforting on a cold day while we wait
for March to turn into a lamb.
