Good morning!

Feeling great?

Us too!

This weekend is shaping up so well.

I’d like to tell you about my week – I had a really amazing one.

It started last Saturday morning. 

We were walking up to the park pavilion around 8:20, and Jan was already sitting at a picnic table.

Dressed in hot pink, she’s a little sweaty, and she’s disgusted with something.

She’s probably already been walking this morning. 

Jan re-introduced herself to me 3 weeks ago; her first time back to Walk with a Doc since ’21. She told us back in February that she couldn’t take it anymore. She’s been exhausted and out of shape for years.

She’s been back to the walk each week since.

“What’s up, Jan?”

“You know, I told you I’m sick and tired of feeling like this,” she says in a rushed voice.

“Did you walk?” I asked.

“Yup.”

“Will you update the group this morning?” She shared her mission on Feb 12.

“Sure”

Before Jan spoke, we all talked about some data regarding cancer prevention. 

Then, “My friend, Jan, has some advice for us.”

Jan kept her seat in front of the 40 people gathered, most of whom were standing, and used her outdoor voice.

She’s angry. 

“My niece is graduating on May 27th, and I want to be in a good mood when that goes down. I threw out all the crap in my kitchen, and now I’m walking. I’ve lost 6 lbs in 3 weeks.”

Applause.

10 minutes later, I’m walking with Debra when Jan comes back to grab me.

“This dude is not doing well. He wants to quit.” She reaches up and puts her arm around the new guy. Jan is upset.

Said ‘dude’ is in his early to mid-40s, and is also carrying extra weight. He’s still walking but grabbing onto a park bench as he’s shaking his head. I’d say in frustration, but he’s smiling under his Guardians cap.

“You new bud?”

“Yup”…catching his breath…” been wanting to come out for months…and finally did it.”

“What brings you out?”

Still walking, but gathering his breath, he says, “My 10-year-old son.”

Debra and I walk with this gentleman. He hasn’t been to the doctor and doesn’t know if he has diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol issues. He’s a bright guy and fully aware that if he doesn’t have it now…

I asked him about his plans for the weekend.

He’s doing stuff with his son.

This guy’s walking around the park, holding on to Jan at times, but moving fast. His eyes are all over. He’s checking out the few dozen of others walking in front of us, behind us, and across from us. His breathing slows down as he falls into the pack.

We’re just walking.

Not talking too much.

I’m enjoying the quiet and the company.

He shares with another smile, 

“I just want to be able to yell at the Browns with my son.”

Others gradually come up and join us.

I’ll spare you the details of the rest of the week, honestly, this was all I needed.

david

“Above all, try something” – FDR