OHSU

Maria and I were walking in Portland's west hills today and ended up at OHSU. We went into the hospital to use the restroom. I haven't been back since we brought Laurence home last September. I was aware of my feelings as we walked down the hall past the cafe. I was expecting to feel sadness, grief or overwhelm. Instead I felt peaceful and a sense of clarity.

It was Maria's first tram ride from the hospital. It is quite amazing to see the city as the tram quietly hovers over the freeway. Because there was a lot of construction on that side of town, we took the streetcar to Portland State University and walked back into downtown. We stopped for lunch and headed back to our cars.

Portland is truly a beautiful city to walk--so many amazing neighborhoods, beautiful parks and of course Forest Park. We are blessed!

East Coast

I was back east visiting my family last week. I was grateful I was able to get some walking in. I walked in the mornings trying to avoid the sun and humidity.

It was a great trip. My nephew's graduation party was a great success. Great to see my family.

God is so Good.

Progress

Wanting to a break from the NW hills, Maria and I walked downtown and took the loop around the Eastbank Esplanade.

The last time we were there was in the winter when no one else was around. We covered our heads with our rain gear as the wind whipped around us and through us. It was so refreshing today to see so many other walkers, bikers and runners out enjoying the sun.

We also noticed how easy the walk was compared to the first time we were there.

Making progress. Praise God!

Desert Walking

I spent a week visiting Rev Marjory. My time with her is really a spiritual retreat.

I was so grateful for the opportunity to keep up my walking schedule. What a difference walking in the desert vs walking in the cool, forests of the Northwest. I also was able to go with Marjory to the gym and participate in water aerobics.

The best part of walking in the desert was getting into the refreshing swimming pool and enjoying the beautiful sun and warm desert air.

God is so good.

Accomplishment

Maria and I have been parking our cars near New Renaisance Bookstore on NW 23rd and walking in the NW hills. We've slowly progressed over the weeks to about seven miles.

Today we hiked up to Pittock Mansion and hiked the Wildwood trail over to the Rose Garden. Praise God! It was such a feeling of accomplishment.

Thank you God for guiding our feet and blessing our walk.

Pittock Mansion

Maria and I were on our weekly Sunday morning walk and turned down a street we weren't familiar with. A man out walking his dog sent us in a direction that connected with the trail up to Pittock Mansion. We've been planning to hike up to the mansion eventually, so today seemed like the perfect time.

We got to the top and walked over to the overlook area. I was scanning my brain to remember when the last time I had visited. It suddenly occurred to me that it was a year ago, almost to the hour, that I had been there with Laurence and his sister, Paula. We had taken her to breakfast and then took a drive to show her some sites of Portland and ended up at Pittock Mansion. We took some pictures, walked around the grounds and then went back home so Laurence could rest.

Maria and I sat on a bench to eat our snacks and I was overwhelmed with emotion as so many memories flooded back into my mind. When I first moved to Portland, I hiked up the trail to the mansion many times. I sat on the same bench we were on, appreciating the beauty surrounding me and prayed for someone to share my life with. When I met Laurence we made it a regular spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and people watch. Now I realized it was the last place Laurence and I visited.

There was no mistake that we ended up there today. A powerful reminder of love, beauty and the presence of God.

Endurance

Maria and I continue to walk each Sunday. I am so grateful for her partnership. It is a joy to meet and catch up on the week.

We are doing better each week. Not pushing ourselves but just making steady gains in our stamina and endurance.

Thank you God for guidance.