During Monday's morning walk, Alex and I encountered Walking Woman. We've passed seen and spoken with Walking Woman many mornings.
Walking Woman takes a measured stride. She wears a wide brimmed hat, long sleeve tee shirts and loose-fitting pants. She's a study in shade.
Monday morning I asked, "How are you?" Alex sat down. For Alex not to pull his leash and strive to buddy up to the nearest telephone pole or fire hydrant is most unusual.
Walking Woman's expression saddened. She told me her 73 year-old mother had experienced sudden pain while on a bicycle tour. The ultimate, surprising diagnosis was liver cancer.
Alex lay down on the sidewalk, depicting only patience.
I wanted to ask if she would like us to say a prayer together. I didn't. I guess I was afraid of seeming pushy.
I wished her a successful trip to visit her mother. Alex stood up and watched our conversation end.
As Alex and I walked on, I felt I could independently say a prayer for Walking Woman and her mother. A prayer that I neither asked permission to say nor said aloud.
I prayed as Alex and I walked. When finished, I was grateful to discover freedom: freedom to pray for anyone, freedom to pray at anytime.
Comments