I wouldn't say it was the most memorable or greatest walk I have ever taken. But, I walked a mile for an Alzheimer's research organization today.
It was a slow but not too slow pace for 2000+ people around a local park area. No marathon or thrill of the chase. Plenty of mascots, dogs, cheerleader squads, bagpipe players and one "repenting" Christian messenger along the way around a loop that almost formed one of those ribbons people wear and tote almost obsessively when they could come up with something original. Among the masses were those with pictures tacked to their backs and tags with the names of those they walk to remember. There were little ones all dressed in purple tshirts with their parents, teens who were walking for whatever reason but not in the team spirit and older folks who came for reasons I ponder, as well. At least two were toted in a wheeled fashion by teammates or family.
I felt like a total stranger walking in with my sister, not knowing anyone and fearing awkward conversations. We sort of wormed our way into the crowd spread out among tents and school grounds like a big pep rally or some Irish battle field in the Middle Ages(like "Braveheart"). Our team was taking a quick photo before being assembled near the speakers' station where we were given the facts and figures and encouraged to be that glee club from high school days. A "Star-spangled Banner" followed by a cheer and some bagpipes, and we were off.
I interjected a brief chat with the team head about the group name. It didn't take long--even at a snail pace--to lose track of the team I had but a minute of which to memorize faces. I simply stuck beside my sister and her friend and felt bad for those that maybe didn't feel supported or part of "the rest of us". Sort of like when classmates start a club but the "popular" separate from the rest and forget they were there til maybe they regroup at the end.
I started to warm up to a few of our teammates as we stopped for apples at one of the stations. A nice park which I encouraged my sister to walk with me when she was honestly serious about getting in the shape she keeps grumbling about but never achieving.
The weather changed three times during the hour and some minutes walk from cold to rain to sun. All that was missing was a spurt of snow. Everyone complained about something. For once, those of you who know me as a complainer, I did NOT complain:P ha! No, I was relatively comfortable in my sweatsuit and tshirt. Only when the sun came out did I start to feel a bit warm. But, I guess I am more adaptable than most people. It feels good to not be a complainer:P
On the home stretch, we knew we were getting close when the dogs started calling to each other. They smelled the picnic awaiting us at the finish line. Although, it wasn't that big of a deal meat-wise. They only had slim yet pure hot dogs which were cold by the time you held one. The rest of the food was more suited to the vegan crowd. Soda, chips, fruit and veggies. I was not as greedy or fussy as my sister who wouldn't take veggies but wanted two hot dogs when it seemed they were giving everyone just one. I had not raised any money and was basically walking for free. So, I kept my lot small but I was a lil concerned about garbage handling and the potential for litterbugs among the less environmental "activists". They handed out so many styrofoam cups for water that were falling over in the wind. I thought that was a waste and not smart environmentally. I thought about the "preacher" on the side of the road who seemed to be speaking against the walk as if whatever science they might be doing was sacreligious. I wondered if I was the only one with a conscience. It is often too easy for my sister to throw herself into something technological or product-oriented and forget her humanity. So, I have to remain mindful and aware of my own identity. She worships Febreze. I do not.
When it was all said and done and people started to go home(which wasn't much later, at all), I wanted to do the walk again. Another lap. It wasn't that hard for me. I still wanted a challenge:P And, I wanted more time to understand my sister's connection/friendship with the other older women. Again, the others talked about how it was cold out and their joints ached. I had to laugh a lil bit to myself. Even though I had suffered my own aches before the walk, I did not want to be a complainer.
Overall, not a bad time. I still feel disconnected from the others--as I usually do--but don't regret the experience. I may do it again next year if my sis goes with me. I would not likely go it alone. But, I wonder if our team would still be doing it together next year.
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