WALKING IN THE MORNING

My hubby and I moved in together 20 years ago and bought our first dog on the day we moved in. We have had a dog ever since, so walking has become a huge part of our lives. Besides great physical activity, it has been a wonderful place to debate, converse, laugh and cry. About two years ago I started walking with neighborhood dogs and their parents around 8:30 every morning just after we sent the kids to school. It has remained a steady crew of moms and a dad who may also be identified nurses, educator, physiotherapist, marketer, philanthropist, peppered with the occasional weatherman, hair stylist and many more. Like most groups we have so much in common, but yet we come from different places, family makeups, schools, political ideologies etc. We arrive at different times, gather at the beginning of the path and start our conversations. Sometimes they begin with I was up all night worrying about this... or it may begin with why they heck are we at war. . . what is going on with our education system, regardless of whatever you agree or disagree with, your voice is heard. You leave awake. I guess what I am trying to say is you don't have to be alike to like someone. And in a world were we try so much to be alike - physically, spiritually, and mentally - it is so nice to get past that and see that what makes people different is what makes the world worth living in.