A fiery sunrise. Deep pink and salmon splashed across the early morning sky. This skeptic observed a higher power. The promise of the day this holiday dawning was apparent before my feet hit the bedroom floor just around 7 a.m.
How many Thanksgiving Days have started with a run? Most. Competitive turkey trots, family jogs or simple easy efforts. Running is a cherished early morning holiday tradition. The easy efforts sometimes bring the greatest rewards these challenging days. Not a car passed by. Not a single distraction from the natural Vermont beauty that surrounded me as I made my way down the street. The dirt road hard packed gifting me with solid footing. The breath of running and the tap of my feet was all that was heard. 20 something degrees…
I have never taken for granted the thrill of putting one foot in front of the other. Today. This Thanksgiving Day 2021 my granddaughter Belle discovered how to put one foot in front of the other. Her first step. First two steps. Unsure. Wobbly. Delightful. Her parents basking in the glow of their daughter’s developmental success. The accomplishments of our children usurp our own. An indescribable joy as we patiently wait with our breath suspended. We pause to observe this focused new walker officially crowned a toddler. Offering energetic encouragement as one tiny foot moves awkwardly forward. The movement a subtle swing from the hip as her knee has not yet truly been employed. Soon her practiced bipedal gate will be smooth, swift, and agile. Today I will put aside the worry of the potential bumps, bruises, and missteps…
The gift of running soon will be shared. Mountain hikes. Bikes. The sand between her toes. Dancing to her favorite songs. Exploration of places near and far. Steps that will serve her well. Carrying her in good stead. Blazing new trails. The cadence of her life began today…
“You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain.” Tom Hiddleston
