Watching Them Walk

I am in NJ today (came back over the weekend for a party...which may be a future post) and had to run to the grocery store.  Since things can get a little crazy at the ShopRite later in the day, I decided to go relatively early in the morning.  (But not too early...although I do miss the days when I was in the store by 6 and out by 6:30).  I only needed a few things (sale items that I no will not be available at the ShopRite in PA when I go back) so I was in and back on the road home before 8.  As a result I saw something I haven't seen in a long time; kids walking to school.  

All of a sudden I was filled with emotion and taken back to the days when my son was little.  From pre-school on he was a walker to school.  (Okay, when he got to high school it was less so, but I'll get to that.) As my son is about to wrap us his junior year of college (how the hell did that happen?), I couldn't help but reminisce on those days of the past.

Walking was something we/he did because it was good for his health and/or the environment (although both are true).  We/he did it because it was the only option.

It was not planned, but as life happened, I was the working mother and my husband was the stay at home dad.  I took the car to work.  My husband does not drive.  When it came time for nursery/pre-school our options were limited those those within walking distance.  Luckily at the time there was a good one less than a half mile away.  They both could walk to and from.  And if my son got tired, my husband would carry him on his shoulders.  (I know my husband misses those days very much!)

Actually it was a good thing they walked.  Parking in the area was difficult.  (There was no lot.)  So even when I was home and a car was available, we walked.

My son went to the same schools as I did growing up.  He and his father would walk to the elementary school.  When there were school events, my husband and I would walk up because once again parking was a nightmare.  It was good to walk.  It was easier.

There was a wonderful crossing guard by the school.  Frank M knew every single kid.  He watched out for every single kid.  I knew my child was safe with Frank around.  (All these years later he is still very much missed; there will never be anyone like him.)  So when my son decided in 3rd grade he wanted to walk on his own, it was no surprise.  And it was something we supported.  (Although there was some trepidation:  https://bfthsboringblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/he-walks-aloneor-does-he.html)  We told his teacher that it was okay for him to walk home by himself and shortly thereafter, it became a popular trend.  Other kids wanted to do it.  One of his best friends wanted to try and as it ended up even though he wasn't exactly on my son's route, the two of them would walk together.  My son would drop his friend off at his house and then continue on his way to our house (only going a couple of blocks out of his way to do this.)

Middle school was a farther walk, but he did it, just as I had.  I did drive him TO school several times a week, as he had early morning band and/or choir rehearsals.  (Shout out to school music programs!  They are so important.  They build a community.  They are more than "just music", if that weren't enough.  As so many school systems are cutting music and art programs [our own local system included], we all need to voice our concerns and stop the madness.)  But he would always walk home; even carrying a trumpet along with his backpack.

In high school he walked less.  There were early morning choir rehearsals (the trumpet went by the wayside) and then of course there was Covid.  No walking to school; no in school learning.  But he still was a walker.  He'd walk to parties (before and after Covid).  He'd just go for walks.

He still goes for walks.  Although those walks are all around NYC and he has to take the shuttle to the ferry to subway and then the walking begins as he explores.  He loves it.

And I love that he's still walking.  From toddler to adult, he's a walker.  I'm happy about that, but I do miss those days when  we could walk together hand in hand...