I have been living in the same place for close to 20 years. Taking the usual walk in the morning, I was welcomed by the same familiar spring sceneries in the same neighborhood.
Just a handful of people were walking in the path since it was still early in the morning. Showering in the morning sunlight, I encountered the sight that made me smile. It was the gentleman in his late 70s with dark sunglasses. He was lead by the off-white labrador. I’m not sure how he lost his sight but I have seen him walk with the see eye dog for over ten years. Neither he nor the dog has changed much. They always stroll at their own pace. Whenever I see them, I always greet them in a loud voice from a far distance.
The last time I saw them was at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemics. I have been walking extremely early morning to avoid people’s contact. That may be the reason why I have not seen them for a long time. From a far away, they have not changed much. I put on my mask and shout, “Good morning.” As always, neither of them flinched with my voice. Probably they already heard my approaching. Just like in the past, the gentleman said “hi” in a weak voice as he passed by me.
I was glad that they were okay. I was glad that I was here to see them okay. During the rest of my walk, I looked around and enjoyed the spring blossom and happy sounds of birds chirping. It was the vernal morning I felt nature’s reviving and resilience.
Learn to Live 