Friday, January 30, 2009

Independence

As I was walking Sheba, today, I wandered further than I had planned. The winter winds had subsided and the icy paths were cleared. Before realizing the distance, it was too late to retract, so I marched on at a summer's pace. It felt so good. I ended up at a pond that was only slightly frozen. The big "Thin Ice Do Not Skate" sign shouted mercilessly, so I obeyed. The Canada geese, however, did not head to the warning and seemingly enjoyed their frolic in the cold water and on the slippery ice. All of a sudden, I had a flashback to my childhood days of winter. It was 1954. The snow storms were frequent and school seemed to be closed more often than open during January and February. In walking distance from our home, sat a pond. It belonged to a golf course. This was the kind of pond that I, for one, would never be able to drive a golf ball across. There must have been a million golf balls in that pond over the years...fodder for some enterprising young boy who would be courageous enough to wade through those merky waters in his gathering of merchandise. That pond was the neighborhood gathering spot during the winter. I remember carrying my ice skates over my shoulder, as I skipped through the snow covered streets...always with my big sister along, so that I shouldn't be alone. After all, I was only eight years old. But I was alone as my big sister would find her friends and skate off with them...way over to the other side of the pond where the big kids skated. Undaunted, and full of resolve, and being a middle child who learned at an early age to be independent, I put on my skates and skated the pond happily. It wasn't long before I would come across a friend from school or a friend from the neighborhood. I wasn't reallly alone. Today, I saw myself, at the pond that can not be skated upon, alone...yet, not alone. I am grateful for the good and loyal friends who keep a watch over me either by phone, email, or in person. I have a loving family who support me in whatever decsion I make for myself. I am an independent person. I may be by myself as I lace up my skates, but rarely do I skate alone. Know what I mean? Karen

11 comments:

Beth said...

I do indeed. Although a solitary person by nature, I know that I've got people who care about me and that would come running if I needed them. It's a good feeling, isn't it? Good entry!

Unknown said...

well writtern. i do know exactly what you mean.
lynnie

Helen said...

Great journey back in time. Helen

Ken Riches said...

Wonderful analogy :o)

Jan said...

Iloved that entry ,and Ifelt better for the walk out doors lol with you ,Im pleased you didnt skate today ,but how nice to revisit memorys of when you did ...love Jan xx

Lucy said...

Hey Karen, of course you are a positive person who knows her own mind. That is why the next Prince Charming is going to have to be extra charming. lol Lucy

Missie said...

It does seem we had a lot more snow when we were kids doens't it? Why is that? LOL

Enjoy your week.

Janie said...

Great entry. Glad you enjoyed your walk and memories. Blessings, Janie

Joyce said...

Wonderful old memories. I loved this entry. You may have been there alone today, but there are lots and lots of days ahead when you won't be. Just you wait and see.
Hugs, Joyce

Marlene said...

Well Karen, That was BEAUTIFUL!!! You sure brought back some memories. For me it was the Mill Pond frozen over. Can you here the "shsht, shsht sound of the blades on the ice? Ahhhh, childhood.

Kelly said...

Nice entry to read here...yep, know what you mean. :) Kelly