Walking for 1097 Days

Jan’s Memorial Garden

After walking 6.72 miles, I arrived at Hanson Park, where I took a moment to appreciate the beauty and improvements made since Jan’s passing. Although she is no longer with us, I feel her presence in the park as if she is still here. I said, “I love you,” looking at Jan’s Wind Sculpture, I heard her softly responding, “I love you too and am proud of you.”

Though I know it is just my imagination, it feels like a message from her. I paused before her bench by the river, read the inscription, and thought about the woman who loved me as much as I loved her. I paused my Apple Watch’s walking app, sat on the nearly dry bench, and reflected on who I am now. “I am OK,” I said out loud as if she were sitting beside me.

I read Danny’s comment to her from memory, not expecting a response. “You are an incredible person! You are a new person! A better person! Although not here physically, Jan has done so much for you!” He was right about your impact on my life, but I am an ordinary man learning to live alone, so I am not an incredible or new person. However, I am trying to be the best version of myself.

A light breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. I stood up, looked at the park and her garden, and explained that I wanted to keep her memory alive with her memorial garden, which I recently received confirmation of.

A woman playing with her kids volunteered when I was here for the Mitzvah Day Park cleanup. When she left, she told me why she loved the park. She said, “One day, I was here, and we were standing by the bench, and a Robin flew over and sat down. My kids were amazed that it did not fly away. I read the inscription. When I got home, I googled Jan Lilien and was impressed by what her husband had done and wrote about her.

She paused and looked at me for a moment. Oh, are you Jan’s husband?” I replied firmly and confidently, “Yes, that’s correct.

The woman spoke gently, her eyes filled with warmth and admiration as she looked at me. I never had the chance to meet Jan in person, but your heartfelt inscription and writings have made me feel as if I knew her all along,” she said. She embraced me warmly. “What you’ve done to honor her memory is truly remarkable. The memorial garden you’ve created is a breathtaking and magical place unlike any other.

As I left the park, I told Jan, “I will see you tomorrow.

My Final Steps

Walking on North Union Avenue, I saw that Venue 104‘s door was slightly open. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to investigate.

I walked into the store and called out for Franco, the owner. “Why are you here so early?” I asked.

Franco appeared from the kitchen with a smile, happy to see me. It’s teacher appreciation day, and I wanted to make sure the bagels and coffee were ready for the teachers in town,” he explained. He had generously donated everything to support the local teachers.

I told Franco that I had once dreamed of becoming a teacher. Before explaining why I hadn’t pursued that path, Franco clarified that the event was only for current teachers. We chatted and laughed for a while, and as I was leaving, I mentioned to Franco that I had been walking for 1097 days – three years.

“Another milestone!” Franco exclaimed, acknowledging my achievement. I explained how walking had helped me improve my physical, mental, and emotional health. “It’s working; you look great!” he said. I then shared a story about someone who had mistaken me for someone younger than me.

Franco listened intently and nodded in agreement. “You’re right, walking has really helped you. You look fabulous and do so much to remember Jan and help others.

I told Franco that God had given us three incredible gifts: ears to listen, arms to embrace, and feet to walk into the future. I explained that I listened to him and others and that embracing was not just about hugging people and accepting new ideas. Now, my feet can only move me in one direction: into the future,” I said. If I walk to the front door and then turn around and come back, I’m not going back to the past, but moving forward into the future.

“You’re absolutely right,” Franco agreed. Walking has helped you in so many ways.

We shook hands, and I started walking towards the door. As I was halfway there, I turned back to Franco and reminded him that I wanted my life celebration at Venue 104. “As healthy as you are, it won’t be anytime soon,” Franco said. But when the time comes, we’ll take off your Apple Watch, look at the map of where you have walked, and everyone coming will have to do the same walk!

I waved goodbye to Franco and left the store, hoping my life celebration was still a long way off, but I was happy that Franco would help my sons host a fitting celebration for me.

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