Daily Walks , more of Daily Talks

It has been 3 years now since Appa and I started our morning walk routine. He does not miss a single day, and hence, I do not miss a single day either. It is nice to have that routine in my life when it is easy to idle away in the mornings instead of going out for a walk. The 2 rounds of 0.8 km around the lake near my home is filled with conversations, old and new. Some childhood stories from him, some updates on recent serials, sometimes sports updates and my office rants or news. I feel that time is very special because we are both without our phones and TV and hence have our full attention on each other. It is very nice to look forward to every morning where we could walk and talk. When I head to office, I do not join him, but then it feels like something is missing on days that I do not make it. Over the last 4 days, while I did not go to office, I could not still join him for a walk as I was still limping and recovering from my fall. I was conscious of my efforts to climb the stairs or get down. I could feel what parts of my leg and feet were used for which function while walking or alighting stairs. All these which we take for granted while scurrying every day. So when I had to go for a walk after a break and still not there 100% in terms of my ability to walk as usual, I could feel him walking faster than me and having to catch up. Reminded me of when I was a kid and I had to run to catch up to Appa's pace. Not a kid anymore, but still asking him to slow down so I could walk with him felt funny. We talk about regular walkers, he greets his walk friends when he sees them and he sometimes goes out of his way to say Good Morning to an uncle who did not notice him in round #1. I cherish these moments and have come to be thankful to have him around and enjoy peaceful morning walks, especially over the weekends. It helps me get up by 6.30am and then it feels like I get more of the weekend for myself. A slow paced day because there is no need to rush when you are up so early even on a Sunday. That reminds me, tomorrow is Monday and I need to pack my bag and get my clothes set out. Yes, I do that even now. Helps me get into the mode and also saves me tremendous time and effort in an action packed morning. So, until next time, Happy Reading.