I spent some time watching people ice skate outside my window today. Sometimes I do that... just sit and watch people around me.
An elderly man and woman came to the lake earlier today. The man was very quiet and stared at the floor most of the time. He was fidgety and seemed anxious about something. I found out later he lives with Alzheimer's. The woman seemed tired. She moved slowly, shoulders slumped over slightly, and her eyes were filled with sorrow. She was taking care of him, helping him get his skates on and find his balance. Every once in awhile he would get frustrated at the process, and she would take hold of his hands and look into his eyes and he would calm. Once they had their skates on, they slowly made their way out of the building and onto the small path leading to the ice. She held his hand tightly as they walked. He looked fragile, as did she. At the edge of the rink she stepped onto the ice and then turned to assist him. His feet were unstable... he put his hands out to balance himself.
Then without hesitation, he pushed away and glided onto the ice. He was a picture of grace as he skated around that rink. The breeze danced through his white hair and a smile spread across his weathered face. Her eyes softened as she stood at the edge for a moment just watching him... then followed behind. They giggled each time their eyes met out there.
They were free.
14 comments:
What a wonderful story! The body and spirit remember, and what a great way to free yourself of the mental burdens.
I am so glad I stopped by here today, that was true lovely. hope you are well and enjoying the holiday season. hugs.
Wonderful.
Wonderful, wonderful.
I remember Wayne Dyer telling a story about telling a story to his children... they were watching the Olympics, and (at 60) he was saying things like, "I can do that." And
"See that? What she just did?? I can do that!"
His children were rolling on the floor laughing, thinking "Dream on, Dad..."
He then goes on to say that a while later, he had the opportunity to get on the ice. He was lacing up his skates, kids watching on tongue-in-cheek... (and his now-listeners too, maybe)... he steps onto the ice...
And after just a moment or two... his Spirit took over.
He knew.
He said that every cell in his body had changed over the last forty-something years, yet somehow there was a part of him that still Knew.
Fifty years later a boy from Michigan (I think) still knows.
And he did know.
He skated and circled and swept... much like your young man, I think.
:)
Thanks for the reminder of this story.
And thanks for sharing yours, too. Truth -in all its forms- is a very Good Thing. :)
xxoo
What a wonderful story
Holly
A beautiful story. Thank you.
thank you for sharing this beautiful story of the season! What a blessing to behold God's grace in such a way.
This one brought tears to my eyes! I had to read it out loud to my hubby and your writing sounded even better the second time around. You are an amazing writer.
Thanks for sharing this one. I've been out of the blog loop for awhile and I'm catching up now.
Beautiful.
Aww, how sad but how wonderfully sweet! Bless their hearts! I know it's so hard on them both!
I knew my friends here would enjoy this post. I felt almost like an intruder watching them, but I couldn't help it. Sweet love.
Stephanie... such an amazing story. Thank you for sharing. xx
It is amazing what our bodies still do, even when our minds sometimes cannot. Lovely story.
A truly lovely story Sara, beautifully written......Elizabeth
what a sweet story!
What a wonderful memory. You should try to capture it in a painting. Thank you for sharing. If you see them come again, you should take a photo.
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