Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Connecting

Last year, from January to May, I took Miles to a little gymnastics class. This was basically to get him out of the house during the cold months and doing something active. He was still a bit shy back then, but he warmed up to it and pretty much spent every week running and jumping, running and jumping.

At the last minute, we decided to put him in the 3- to 5-year-old class this time. I had forgotten that means 'no moms allowed in the room' but I think he actually did better without me there. And since the class is only 45 minutes long, it's not like I can leave the building. So last week I sat and talked with another mom. While we sat out in the gym, we saw a senior citizens exercise class going on the other side. I feel like that's who I want to be when I'm older: getting out, being active. I love seeing older people taking care of themselves and staying active.

Yesterday morning, Miles and I got there a little early. After I left the gymnastics room, I went to sit at my usual table -- only this time I'd brought a book. The older folks who were already there before their instructor were walking laps around the gym. As one woman walked by I smiled and said to her, "That's what I should be doing, walking." She immediately said, "Well come on!" and waved me over. I couldn't resist. It was just one of those moments you feel is going to be special, or you're going to make some kind of connection with a stranger.

Within minutes, Amelia and I were talking about our lives and our experiences. We were laughing and sharing stories as if we had known each other for years. I'm not sure how many laps we took around that gym, but we had to have walked for at least 20 minutes. I learned that Amelia is a retired first-grade teacher. She had to retire a little early because of health issues, but you would never know she has issues with her energetic walking and her joyful spirit. I had such a feeling of joy the entire time we shared with one another. It was one of those moments that feels so blessed by God, even though I'm not sure why.

The instructor arrived and we had to say goodbye -- meaning that Amelia had to go and start other exercises and I had to go and sit back down at my table and wait for Miles. It had only been a short time, but this woman and I shared a hug and a smile and expressed how nice it had been to talk. Next week I'll make sure to wear my walking shoes again.

7 comments:

Luke Family said...

I love this post, Tracey! I love finding little pieces of sunshine in each day. Too often I am more likely to have my nose in a book, or music playing on my iphone, than I am to be connecting with someone. I hope you are able to walk again next week. :)

tracey said...

Thanks Joy! I am like that too -- usually not seeing those moments and taking advantage. Something was different this time, though, and I'm glad I listened. : )

Jolene said...

This is nice!! I feel so inspired to "do" something this week, too!

Lori said...

I love when stuff like that happens! How's your training going by the way?

Queen said...

What a lovely post! Makes me want to go chat it up with a stranger. Well, in that same sort of circumstance. :)

tracey said...

Thanks Jolene, that's awesome that you feel inspired!

Lori ~ The training is going pretty well, although last week I slacked off just a bit. This week I'm being more disciplined, and tomorrow I have to walk eight miles, yikes!

Queen ~ Thanks! Yeah, I know what you mean. Time and place for everything, right?

Jolene said...

Tracey, I just wanted to pop back in to say that after I read your post, I said a quick-quick prayer - asking God for a teeny opportunity to connect with someone last week.

And guess what? On Saturday, while we were out for breakfast, a couple sat beside us - they were smiling at our kids... and I felt a nudge, so I DID IT. I smiled back, OPENED my mouth and chatted with them. :) It was fun! And they ended up encouraging me about being a SAHM. I was really blessed.

Thank you, Tracey!

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