I would walk 500 miles...

Next to my bookshelf in my bedroom there stands this walking stick, it is a standard extendable walking stick with a mottled marble-effect handle on the top. There are nicks and scuff marks all over it and the rubber on the bottom is all worn on one side where it often dragged along the pavement. I am the current owner of this stick, yet it isn't mine - it belonged to my dad. 

I have written more in-depth blogs before about my dad, but here is a mini background for you; I didn't meet him until I was 18, we got on, then he disappeared one day and we were told he had died, his friends had gone to his funeral, etc. Then 3 years afterwards, once I had got married and became a parent myself he rang me! He was alive and living in Ipswich. He met his grandchildren and daughter-in-law and things were good, we formed a strong relationship and then he genuinely passed away. 

This was what he left me, he had very little and hence this is why I was given his old walking stick to remember him by. Whenever I glance at it, I think of all the walks we went on; he sadly couldn't walk far but we would stop on a bench and chat for ages about nonsense really, but sometimes the conversations got deep. I loved those walks with him, we laughed a lot - they meant the world to me, I hope they did to him too. 

That shabby old stick is a bit like my dad was; always there in the background trying it's best to be there. Not hiding its flaws as it's not embarassed by them, but  displaying them for all to see, whilst also maintaining a level of dignity. 

The reason I mention any of this is because I hold walks with someone, chatting and laughing in really high regard. They are almost sacred to me, at the risk of sounding pretentious, I would say it's one of the strongest ways I connect with my friends and family, (and people in general), by walking, chatting and laughing with them. 

If you are one of those I've shared walks with or even just asked to go for a stroll with, know that in my eyes there is no higher compliment I can give. Those fun walks where we stomp along laughing and talking about random things mean so much to me, some of my favourite memories are of walks gone by with friends. I will always be up for a walk and the offer is always there for friends so get in touch if you ever fancy it! 

(P.s. I really love that beaten up, scuffed old walking stick, who'd have thought an item could wield such powerful memories. I miss my dad immensely but at least I have countless memories and who knows, one day I may need to use it and add to the scuffs and no doubt wear out even more rubber on the bottom whilst strolling along with soneone who means something to me)