The passing of time is relentless, and only when pausing to look back does one become aware of how far, or how little, one has travelled since starting out.
On February 26, 2020, I walked and logged measured mile 5000.
Following are a few things I've discovered during the journey.
Sidewalks are rarely maintained and repaired by the city, and aside for being uneven, sidewalks seem to endure well.
Most residents faithfully clean their portions of the sidewalk whereas winter after winter a few others never lift a finger to address snow and ice.
Almost every driveway has two or more vehicles.
Most drivers do not stop at stop signs and almost as many do not signal their turns, and sadly, many of these drivers seem to perceive pedestrians as nuisances getting in their way. As a driver, I too have had to learn to yield more often to pedestrians and wait until they are clear of the street.
Most older people I've encountered during my journey are quite happy to say hello in passing whereas most younger adults do not want to be bothered by a hello or make eye contact. Hand held devices and ear plugs no doubt play a part.
Most dog walkers have well-behaved or indifferent dogs but a few owners do have vicious dogs that would be dangerous if off the leash. I've never been bitten thus far but not because some dogs haven't tried.
When I started out, I didn't know or recognize my neighbours, but now I know where many of them live and we say hello to each other.
People are always moving in and moving out, so neighbourhood change is constant.
Impatience has become today's way of life, and if people didn't have dogs to walk or public transportation to ride, then I doubt I'd see very many others out walking just to walk.
I've also discovered that when Jesus healed someone, that healing often occurred through an encounter with Jesus when he was walking somewhere.
Time, health, life, and one's miles to walk too, are finite precious gifts that do come to an end here, but knowing this I keep going anyway.
Deo gratias.
The Oddblock Station Agent
