Mindful Miles

Today, my mindful miles led me on a truly special journey alongside Esther, a dear friend whose heart carries the enduring memory of her dad. It’s been almost three years since he left us, and in a beautiful act of love and remembrance, Esther plans to walk an incredible 26.2 miles in Northumberland this September to honor him. In preparation for such a significant undertaking, she’s embraced regular walks, sometimes with friends, and today, it was my heartfelt turn to join her.

Esther suggested the perfect place: the Castleman Trailway in Broadstone. Oh, what a breathtaking sight it was! The paths were gracefully lined with trees, offering a gentle, welcome shade. We discovered a serene lake, trees with uniquely sculpted branches, and a network of inviting paths winding through so many beautiful, natural wonders. I found myself pausing every few steps, compelled to capture the beauty with a picture or video.

Esther had once mentioned that butterflies remind her of her dad, and so, with a quiet determination, I aimed to photograph and video as many as I could. It truly felt as though the butterflies had come out to greet us, their bright, varied colors fluttering all around. What made me laugh, though, was how quickly they eluded my lens! They danced and darted, just out of reach, and I chuckled at my efforts to capture their fleeting beauty. Still, I managed to snag a few precious shots.

And then, a robin appeared! This time, I’d learned to approach a little more quietly, and my patience paid off with two lovely pictures. We paused at a bench, beautifully engraved with a map of the trail, and I was utterly enthralled as Esther shared stories and insights about the path. Later, we rested for a moment on another bench, perfectly positioned to face the sprawling natural reserve, simply soaking in the amazing view.

Our conversation flowed as freely as our steps, joyful and easy, all the way to a large tunnel that marked our turning point for the day. It was wonderfully dark and soothingly cool inside, offering even more shade than the trees, with a bright, comforting light beckoning at the other end. Emerging into the gentle warmth of the sun on the other side felt like the perfect wrap to a perfect walk.

I’ve already promised to return very soon. In those two hours, we covered over 11,000 steps. But beyond the steps, the sights, and the shared laughter, there was a deeper mile walked today.

As I watched Esther move with purpose, her spirit bright even as she honored a profound loss, it was clear that every step she takes, every mile she covers in preparation for Northumberland, is a profound and beautiful tribute to the enduring love she carries for her dad.

His memory is not just a destination but the very heart of her journey, guiding her forward, one mindful step at a time. It was an honor to witness such a beautiful expression of love.