I've been trying to go on daily walks up and down my street in my walker. I know it's good for me and necessary for healing, but I feel self-conscious out there....with my walker, brace, old t-shirts, sweatpants, and slip-on Dr. Scholl slippers. One day there were just too many people out and about in the neighborhood that I turned around and went back in.
Yesterday I was out walking with Michael and a car drove by us, stopped, and then backed up. The driver, an older-than-me lady, exclaimed out her window "You are doing really great!!" I tried to mask my confusion because I didn't want to seem rude so I responded back with a "Thanks!" She then explained that she saw me out walking earlier in the week and she could tell I was getting better. I was able to get another "thanks" in before she drove off.
At first Michael and I laughed at the strange-to-us exchange. We do see Dubuque as a friendlier town than some places we've lived and we joked about this new example.
But I think this exchange is more valuable than a chuckle. I've been down on my progress and self-conscious when venturing outside but her words have stuck with me and have encouraged me. They've also taught me that when people drive by or peer out there window at me that they aren't thinking about how weird I am, they are probably thinking a). nothing about me, I can't be so selfish to think that I interrupt the thoughts of all people or b) there's a girl out walking and getting better for whatever reason.
Even more important to me than that micro-lesson is this idea that as members of a community we should find ways to be encouraging, even if for just a minute with a few small words...who knows how that may stick with someone when they need it. And we shouldn't only encourage those we love, but those we don't know as well. Communities change, they knit together when our arms and encouraging words extend beyond our property lines.
I'm grateful to that lady for that reminder.
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