I had the pleasure of introducing a friend to TPW on
Saturday morning. She had been a member
of Jean’s Marines as a runner during its last years and was interested to learn
that the walking branch had morphed into the Toronto Power Walkers for the past
ten years. Introducing someone to the
group is a deep pleasure. Although I
never forget how blessed I am to have this group in my life, seeing it through
someone else’s eyes brings the gratitude into greater focus. I realize anew how much each member adds to
my life. As I walk, I have people who
never tire of the stories about my grandchildren (or are too polite to say so),
people who entertain me with their travel stories, or their entertaining encounters
with others. I also have people who
privilege me by sharing their trials and their ambitions.
As I write this, I’m listening to my curated Christmas
collection. So many of my favourite
carols and holiday songs reflect this sense of gratitude, none better than
dear, deeply missed, Freddie Mercury singing:
Oh my love
We live in troubled days
Oh my friends
We have the strangest ways
All my friends
On this one day of days
Thank God It’s Christmas.
We live in troubled days
Oh my friends
We have the strangest ways
All my friends
On this one day of days
Thank God It’s Christmas.
A reminder to all: February 9, after our walk, we’ll convene
at Diane’s for our breakfast and 'quarterly' meeting. Details coming.