Walking through life

It's funny how some days point out that what I am doing is the right thing. Sometimes I seek out the answer and, at those times of course, the answer does not come. Things rarely do, when you look so hard for them. I am on a flight to Las Vegas to meet up with fellow kidney cancer forum members on SmartPatients.com. It is Barb's 70th birthday and she pledged, almost a year ago, to walk a mile. For Barb this is a very tough challenge, not only due to cancer, but a variety of other physical challenges. Regardless, she put this out on our forum, publicly stating her wishes. Since then, many members of the forum have pledged to walk a mile on her day. Pictures are being posted to the forum of their walk. The energy and solidarity of the group is strong. As I fly, I am reading a new book – “The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry,” by Rachel Joyce. Early on is this passage - “Life was very different when you walked through it.” A reference, no doubt, to slowing down in a fast-paced world – stopping to smell the roses, if you will. The flight from Seattle was wonderful! On check in, I was assigned a seat in the exit row, yielding substantial leg room and comfort. I am being treated to amazing views of the Cascades as I straddle its eastern slopes on the way south. On my headphones is music from Elton John, in concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Due to the generosity of Barb and another forum member, I am headed her way to join her on her walk. She wanted me to be there. I am honored. The second forum member, Liz, is hosting me in her home for the night. For me, today is all about embracing what is, and not worrying about what could be. The generosity and family-feeling of this forum catches me by surprise every day. It is a very good day. Seems as if we are not alone after all. “Smarties” walk through life together.