For the last two weeks I've been on my own as Nancy's been under the weather. So, I've been walking in Dover. I carefully crafted a 5 mile circuit near where my in-laws live, with the intention of looping around twice for a grand total of 10 miles. I emailed myself the series of turns I'd need to make (there were only five) and headed out.
In the first 15 minutes I made 4 wrong turn. Seriously, how is that possible??? I am painfully and inexplicably directionally challenged. Fortunately, my phone has a GPS so after a few false starts I was on my way.
It was nice exploring different neighborhoods. This boat landing was particularly appealing.
I finished the day with a 3 mile walk through a nearby cemetery. I like walking in cemeteries. There's no traffic, they're generally on pretty level ground, and it's a good reminder to focus on what's important in life, to not waste time, or be consumed with petty stuff. There were quite a few people stopping by and placing fresh flowers on gravesites, as today was Mother's Day.
I was not prepared for what I saw next.
In the far end of the cemetery lies a small group of headstones adorned with teddy bears, Winnie-the-Pooh, and toy trucks; the graves of infants who had died in the last few years. A young mother approached one of the headstones and placed a bouquet of flowers on her child's grave. Here it was Mother's Day, and she was here. So gut-wrenchingly sad. I thought immediately of how blessed I am. I have a beautiful, healthy daughter and an equally beautiful, and almost as healthy Mother. I am very lucky.
Happy Mother's Day. And Happy Thanksgiving!