Monday, April 4, 2011

The Running Man

About two years ago, I was waiting to turn my car onto the main road, when I saw a guy in a hoodie jacket shuffling along the bike path. When I say shuffle, I mean a Tim Conway old man shuffle—he was BARELY moving. The thing was, he wasn't elderly. He looked to be in his late 40s. Even if his countenance was exceptionally boyish, he couldn't have been more than mid-50s in age. He was slim and handsome and inching along. It was clear to me that something was wrong physically, and my best guess was that he was recovering from a stroke and working through partial paralysis.

Since that original sighting, I've seen him regularly in the mornings. His shuffle has gradually evolved into a walk and then a kind of walk-run. This morning, I passed by him and he was actually moving forward in a slow jog. He's still a turtle, but he is definitely a JOGGING turtle.

You know, I wanted to stop my car right then and there, hop out, skip over to that guy and give him a big hug. I didn't approach him, though, because after the hug, what would I say? Awkward. Still, I hope that some day I'll be brave enough to let him know how inspirational he has been to me. To see him, day in and day out, forcing his body to move, makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time. You go, dude!



Dinner last night: spaghetti and meatballs, garlic toast, peas, green salad


Exactly one year ago:


14 comments:

Katherine said...

This is a great story. It makes me think think that I should just get out there and be that shuffling turtle (because that is exactly what I would be.)

Liz Mays said...

I love how he's been getting stronger and stronger. So cool!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful that he stuck with it!

Kathy G said...

Yes, that is inspiring.

Making It Work Mom said...

Wow! That is a great story. How inspirational is he? I think even if it was a little awkward at first the man would really appreciate your gratitude!

Jessica said...

That is so neat you get to watch his progress and he can inspire you even though he is a stranger.

Mother Mayhem said...

You could just give him the thumbs up as you pass by... :o)

Inspirational to this turtle for sure.

Gaspegirl said...

I say get out and hug him... pay it forward girl! What an inspiration...

Make it a great day!

Traci Marie Wolf said...

Wow! It's a tremendous thing watching someone grow. I think you should do it(maybe not the hug but telling him about how you were inspired,) you never know when someone may need that kind of encouragement. Maybe the opportunity will come up when he's not at the side of the road. Imagine jogging and someone stopping their car and running towards you.

Heather~sheaaa6 said...

What a great story! =] Inspirational index. =]

LisaDay said...

Too funny.

LisaDay

Karen M. Peterson said...

That is so awesome! Makes me feel like I'm being a big baby right now.

Helene said...

I absolutely love that you've watched him getting stronger and yes, he is definitely inspiring! I really hope some day you'll work up the courage to tell him...I bet you'll totally make his day!!

Dianna@KennedyAdventures said...

As one who just started running, I can totally relate to this story.

I say hug him, or at the very least, tell him what n awesome job he's doing.