6.16.2010

I Go Out Walkin'

I’d taken to walking by myself, but that day I had an exercise buddy.

Her small stature and short legs, compared to mine, didn’t matter; she gave it full energy, boosting up past me with ease. She brought encouragement, too. “This is lap six!” she shouted over her shoulder, elbows tucked at her sides. Classic walker’s position.

I knew how lucky I was to have her, one of my favorite people, as company. It was beautiful out, too, with warm sun on my skin, a slight breeze at my back. And spring had sprung. I soaked it up, caught in the afternoon perfection.

Suddenly something made her slow. Had she pulled a muscle? Seen a snake or spider cross the path? I’d been concerned she might twist her ankle, given she was navigating the rocky path in flip-flops.

Little hands cupped little cheeks. “I hafta toot!”

Furrtt. Pfff.

But it didn’t slow her long. “Lap seven, Mommy!” And she took off again, leaving me in her four-year-old dust.

I've never enjoyed a walk so much.


Visit Janna's blog, where she captures life through writing, at Something She Wrote.

18 comments:

  1. What a nice image. The flip-flops are certainly fitting for a young person.

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  2. Sounds like me.... things start peculating and all...... :O)

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  3. Hilarious! Until you try hiking with my husband. THEN it's not quite so funny bringing up the rear. ;)

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  4. that is so cute!
    Bodily functions are somehow enormously cute when it's a little tyke.

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  5. LOL! That is so cute! ( at that age) LOL

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  6. LOL! Sounds like my kids. Great walking buddy, provides entertainment too.

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  7. I love tiny tots--they are so unassuming. Glad you've started in a new generation of walkers!

    Your voice is lovely, Janna.

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  8. So precious! You sure can capture different sizes and shapes and ages.

    Patti

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  9. Thanks everyone! Your comments are so kind.

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  10. I wished my daughter would like to walk. But she is not a walker. I only hear complaints when I dare to try it. But yes, your walk sounds beautiful. Your writing is so evocative and warm.

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  11. That is just too good, and cute as ever! I have started running with my daughter, even though I always hated running. But there's something about running with her that makes it seem like less of a chore. She's encouraging and it's such a perfect opportunity to chat without the rest of the family. I treasure the time I get with kids. And it's perfectly clear you do, too.

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  12. Aw, how nice you got to spend time with your little one. Wonderful post!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  13. What my almost-four-year-old and I do is jump together on the trampoline. What a blessing! Walking, jumping...it's precious time.

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  14. Hhaaahaaa, all that walking squeezed something out. Too funny! She's nice about it. My boys just do it and laugh! Sounds like a beautiful day. :-)

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  15. A perfect story about a perfect walk. Thank you for the smile.

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