Literally, it is something that one makes time for on a daily basis for the betterment of that individual’s health. The most common interpretation would be a daily walk.
This may not be the best picture I've ever uploaded but I just had to document this man's perserverance. I see him every single morning on my way home from dropping my grandson off at school and I do mean every single day, rain or shine or -13 degrees as it was yesterday morning. I saw him as usual this morning out for his daily walk, cane in hand, but it was a balmy -5 degrees today. This road is basically out in the middle of nowhere with no houses close by so he must walk several miles. I usually meet him farther down on the other side of this hill so he must have gotten a late start today because though I occasionally meet him walking towards me, 99% of the time I catch him walking away from me as in this picture. He is a very elderly man, I would guess in his 80's and he walks with some difficulty...slowly, stiffly but he always lifts his left hand to wave at every car that goes by without ever turning around. I almost submitted a picture of him during the hope theme because I always hope to see him on my way home because if I don't I'll be worried that something has happened to him. I admire this man but I also worry about him! :)
This picture touched my heart. I'm not even sure how to put it in to words, but I understand what it will mean when some morning you are driving down the road and he isn't there. There will be a feeling of panic. I had the same situation on my road. I would drive my oldest son to school, and it never failed, there was a man out walking with a cane. I was sure I was going to find him on the ground, but I never did. One day he was gone, and my heart was broken for days. We have a retirement neighborhood a few blocks down, and he more than likely lived there and walked every day. Trouble was, he was a part of my routine I looked forward to. He gave me "hope".
Wow!!! Your commentary today is very touching to me, as my dad is in his eighties and also walks daily... I love the metaphor of the road and the power lines going away out of sight, and though he is old, he is still going along his road while he can. This is beautiful in every way!!! A fav for me for many reasons...
Really great shot Paula and I love your description. I have pol like that swell who I see everyday on their same routine you almost feel you know them after awhile cause you see them everyday.
This is a great photo and story!! I hope you will continue to see him for a long time! That looks like a pretty big hill and it's covered in ice/snow. I love to walk but sometimes don't because it's too cold or icy... but next time I'll think of him and go anyway!! =)
I think its'great Paula! It tells a great story of strength and determination. Nicely done! I'm loving the framing you're using. Are you using a blend mode on the edge? Nice
This is such an inspirational post! What a cute man! I read this as I workout on bike on lunch hour. Hope to be able to do what this man is doing at his age!
@jonna@petersonsheri Thank you so much for the lovely comments, I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from. I hate getting attached to people and also animals that I see daily that I have no control over. I can't stop and tell him, get in and let me drive you home before you freeze to death or tell him to get a cell phone so he can call someone if he needs to. It's silly but I can't help but worry about him out there all alone in this bitter cold weather. I used to drive by a house on the corner of a rural highway with a fair amount of traffic daily for many MANY years...they had a gorgeous white German Shepherd type dog...I called him Whitey (yeah, real original). At first I worried about him running into the road but as the years went by I was confident this dog was quite intelligent. Probably 10 years of seeing him every day and then one day he wasn't there and I never saw him again....I just had to tell myself that whatever happened to him, he lived a good, long life!
Anyway, thank you again for your comments, I appreciate and love to read them! :)
I love what you told us about this picture! I hope to be like that man when I'm old, still active and doing the things I love. Beautiful!
When I was young and walked to school we passed an old man every day and he waved at us. When he wasn't there we worried about him, but I heard not so long ago that he's still living and is finally moving to a nursing home. This is a very moving post!
@kezzam Thank you Kerry for the nice comment! I am using OnOne software, I think it's called Perfect Photo Suite 5.5. I originally downloaded a 30 day trial run and loved it so much I just had to buy it. It has 5 programs rolled into one...I haven't even scratched the surface but the frame section has endless possibilities. I HIGHLY recommend OnOne software! :)
@cccoupland@terryd2011@katrinacristy@eileenmabalot Thanks so much for your nice comments...I give him all the credit because he really is an inspiration everytime I see him. I need to quit whining and put on my running shoes again! :)
Very touching story and picture. I think it touches a place deep in our hearts, either with our own parents or another elderly person. Thanks for sharing this great inspiration.
Such a beautiful moment in time, especially with the story behind it. I love the big hill in the background, it really completes the story of perserverance.
Good on him! My guess would be he's had a heart incident at sometime and he's walking for his life; that's what happened to me a few years ago and I haven't stopped walking since. Of course, this wonderful photo shows what he's going through on a daily basis to keep up this regimen. He must be one tough cookie!
This is one dedicated guy, thanks for sharing his passion with us. I do think you could tag this theme-passion because this man has a passion for living that few of us do. This also strikes me as a truly Iowa scene.
Wow, this is so powerful! I love how you captured this man's daily walk and love the story behind this! Sure makes me realize perseverance goes a long ways!
I love this picture and the story behind it is great. May be youc can tell him, or show him or send him the picture. That is what I do many times when takjin picture of strangers.
This is so wonderful, Paula. I know what you mean about feeling attached. I have a 78 year old neighbor directly across the street who lives alone. She had a stroke several years ago and is rather frail, but still gets around and even drives short distances. She signals me that she's okay each morning by turning off her porch light. One morning last year the porch light was on longer than usual, I called and she didn't answer. So I ran over and got no answer at the door. I let myself in with the key she'd given me and found her barely conscious in bed with a raging fever. I called for an ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully it was just a bad case of the flu, but very dangerous given her age and state of health. It's good to keep an eye on each other. Anyway, I love this photo. Very touching.
This picture tells such a wonderful story, and hearing you add to it is even better. I agree with Graham. He must like what he's doing, as he keeps doing it. I'm a walker and I would hate not to walk. I walk in all weather also and my neighbors think I'm crazy for it. I am a little. :-)
I also understand your worry. I get attached to people, animals and anything else that I see often. You are very compassionate and it shows in your photos.. I love that.
It's amazing what some of our elderly are capable of doing. It could be a bit worrisome being out in that frigid weather, but then again, if it is something he truly enjoys doing, he should be allowed to do it while he can. Admiration.
This is one of my favorite pictures of yours. It is a remarkable story of will and devotion. Makes me feel humble and like I should never skip a day of running because the wind blows or the temperature dips. Inspirational. There is also something lonely about it - the long road and grey skies give it that feeling.
Paula, this is beautiful. Just the story behind it, the perseverance of this man to do what he does, and the fact that you notice. Thank you for sharing.
@geertje Thank you for always leaving such kind comments Geertje! :) I would love to live that long and still be active and productive too. There's something about this man that immediately endeared him to me.
@peggysirk Thank you Peggy for faithfully commenting on my photos even when I get way behind on mine...I always look forward to hearing from you. I don't know you personally but I can just tell you have a heart of gold! Anyone would be very lucky to have you as a neighbor!! :)
@wac Thank you Wendy for always being so generous with your comments and encouraging words....it's greatly appreciated.
This is how I felt too, he could easily sit at home but he chooses to keep moving despite the conditions. I think he is probably part of a dying breed....the older generation that was self sufficient and didn't waste time whining or a being a victim...they just did what had to be done when it needed to be done. I really admire and respect this attitude so much since I can talk myself into or out of just about anything! :)
@maggie2 Thanks so much Margaret for your kind words and faithful follow! Let the neighbors think you're crazy, you're healthy and fit...are they?? :) I agree thogh, I think he must enjoy the exercise or he wouldn't be out there doing it every day. I do hope he has a cellphone with him but somehow I doubt it! :)
@omabluebird Thank you Susan for suggesting I tag it for the passion theme....I hadn't even checked what the theme was this week...so maybe I'll tag it. I agree, very Iowa!! :)
@girlie Thank you Robin for always stopping by to leave a kind comment, I really appreciate it! :) I wondered about this too, walking is often prescribed for those with heart related problems. I'm glad you continue to reap the benefits of a daily walk. Keep up the good work...at least you have some of the most beautiful scenery on earth to enjoy while you're out there! :)
What a great story - I'm worried that a car will skid into him with all that ice around - you'll have to keep us updated now! But it's good that he's out and about despite such inhospitable weather - a lesson to all of us. We heard a clattering on the stairs at Christmas and I sent my husband round to check our elderly neighbour who was worrying if we were alright! Turned out it was an unhurt niece in our house who had disappeared in embarrassment but I couldn't have settled without checking next door!
Anyway, thank you again for your comments, I appreciate and love to read them! :)
When I was young and walked to school we passed an old man every day and he waved at us. When he wasn't there we worried about him, but I heard not so long ago that he's still living and is finally moving to a nursing home. This is a very moving post!
I also understand your worry. I get attached to people, animals and anything else that I see often. You are very compassionate and it shows in your photos.. I love that.
Paula, this is beautiful. Just the story behind it, the perseverance of this man to do what he does, and the fact that you notice. Thank you for sharing.
This is how I felt too, he could easily sit at home but he chooses to keep moving despite the conditions. I think he is probably part of a dying breed....the older generation that was self sufficient and didn't waste time whining or a being a victim...they just did what had to be done when it needed to be done. I really admire and respect this attitude so much since I can talk myself into or out of just about anything! :)