Walking is basic. Everyone does it. It is how God made us to get from place to place. It is so many things. I could go on and on, but you get the point. The question that remains is, how come we don`t do more of it? Rush, rush, got to get here, Got to get there. All the time rushing. Ever notice, the guy who is in the big hurry and speeds past you is, more times than not, waiting at the next stop light? What`s the gain???
He speeds so fast going nowhere that he misses the opportunity to enjoy what is set before him to see, and take in. Walking allows time to find and observe all the good stuff we have been given. When I was a child, I would roam the fields with my dog. No particular destination in mind, just being there and exploring all the things that were there. Frogs, pollywogs, snakes, bugs, flowers, weeds, butterflies, on and on. Everything was fascinating and exciting. And, at that stage of my life, so new. We found so much to enjoy. Enjoy it we did!!! Together!!!
Thirty years later, when the children were young, and we didn`t have much beyond our ability to see to all of our needs, walking became our way to relax. To go about the neighborhood. Encounter people. Take in nature. Get exercise. Fresh air. A whole lot of good reasons. It became a part of our togetherness. Even when we could afford to go on vacations, we would find times and places to walk together. We could relax and have the kinds of conversations that husbands and wives do. All part of the package. All in an intimate setting. The beauty of the setting was important to us. The more scenic, the more desirable.
Intimate conversation while relaxing and enjoying God`s world is one of marriages great gifts. When we moved back nearby to Pittsford, we got there shortly after major improvements were made on the canal near Schoen Place. So, naturally, whenever the weather was any way favorable, we would go for a walk on the canal pathway.
Sculls, boats, kayaks, pigeons, the Sam Patch, tree lined scenes, others enjoying themselves seated on benches. Even dodging bicycles was enjoyable, when witnessing families together enjoying themselves. You could never tell who you might run into, either. So you were often rewarded with some form of social encounter. The important part was that you had a great opportunity to be with each other. To go over things together, and just be there.
One day, as we were walking between the Main St. Bridge and the State St. Bridge, we came upon an area where engraved memorial bricks were arranged. We recognized names in a few of them. We thought what a good idea. It keeps alive a memory of someone who often passed this way. We would always stop there and look for the bricks of those we knew. It was our way of fulfilling our social encounter with them.
When Jean died, I immediately remembered the memorial bricks. I contacted the Village office, and found that yes, there were still some blank bricks available, and if I wished, I could purchase one and it would be engraved and set in an available spot. Unfortunately, I was somewhat late when it came to location, but there was still one area where two blank side by side bricks were available. They were not in the main area where the best location was, but they were near the entrance from the Schoen Place road.
I bought them. They are there now as a memory of our walks by the canal. They beckon me. I still go there. Sometimes, I bring one of our children. I relive our walks along that beautiful canal. I go, and relight our times there. I have a conversation with Jean…
