My mother’s doctor advised her, “Exercise for 30 minutes per day.”
Exercise, the elixir for hypertension.
Reluctantly, she responded to my invitation and promptings to take evening walks.
We started with a short walk. She enjoyed it. The next day we went longer. No complaints.
As we walk, we talk about life, the past, the joys and pains of life, family matters, stories of friends, and we observe neighbours’ houses and gardens.
One home…our observant eyes, like telescopes, zoomed in each evening, observing the colourful mixture of flowering plants and fruits trees forming the façade, neatly sectioned and organized, with well-manicured grass interlocking clusters of plants. Each time it was a magnificent sight to behold.
One evening, as we passed, a gentleman was at the gate. Our presumption: he was the owner. We projected a favourable comment to him on the beauty of his work of art. He smiled and whispered, “Thanks.”
Upon our return, our heads bowed towards him as a greeting gesture. He smiled. As we walked past, I heard a voice behind me uttering, “One minute.” I returned to him. He retrieved a hand of plantains from a nearby van, handed it to me and said, “This is from my garden.” I accepted it gracefully.
Thought of the moment: God comes to us through strangers.
“You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart.”
(Derek Walcott)
Beloved Reflections 