Walk This Way

Each morning my commute takes me north along the Cross Island Parkway from the Long Island Expressway to the Throgs Neck Bridge. There is a bike path that runs alongside the eastern side of the parkway; an inlet off Long Island Sound is on the other side of the bike path. I've been traveling this route for over fourteen years and have witnessed countless walkers, joggers, bikers, and roller-bladers in that time. I've even roller-bladed there myself a time or two (yes, many years ago). I've never been more than a casual observer (too busy watching out for the drivers who just can't see my invisible truck), but one day several months ago I began noticing a man and woman walking that path every day in the early morning.

I think I first began to routinely notice their presence because they dressed in matching outfits. Their coordinated attire was simple - usually they had on black sweatpants and tee-shirts of the same color (red, orange, blue - they switched it up each day). But it caught my eye. I began to look for them - companionably strolling at a brisk pace, keeping pace with each other, even venturing out in inclement weather. I couldn't really tell you what they look like except that they are short and Asian - I typically drive by too quickly to get a good look. But I can pick them out among the other runners and ramblers populating the path. I imagine them as a husband and wife, kids grown and out of the house, having worked hard and retired and now enjoying each other's company in a way they haven't been able to previously. I see them and I wonder if I will live long enough to have the luxury of a long stroll with my own husband.

And now, I find myself actually looking for them as I transport myself to my job. I eagerly scan the bike path, looking for those matching shirts (or jackets or pants), one eye on the car in front of me and one eye on the trail. I am unexpectedly tickled when I spy them; indeed, recently I have been offering a greeting (albeit one that is only heard by me) as soon as I spot them - a cheery "Hi Guys!" For reasons I cannot fathom, seeing them makes me look forward to starting my work day.

They don't know it, but they make me smile every day. Their routine has become part of my routine. They help me appreciate today as well as look forward to the good things to come tomorrow. Hopefully, in some way, we all do the same for somebody else unknown to us.