Hiking today with the wags and a friend provided yet another opportunity to move out of my comfort zone and connect. Cold with a mixture of sun and snow encouraged a quicker step than usual on the mountain. On the descent, we came across a large troop of boy scouts and their families heading down as well. The trail and people bottle-necked for a few moments before the majority of the troop was well ahead and out of sight.
Left behind were a young boy and his mother who seemed unsteady and unsure on the trail. We slowed our pace for a bit to talk with them before eventually passing them. They caught up again when my friend paused to tie her shoe. The boy at that moment slipped and tumbled forward. My friend attempting to catch him as he rolled down the trail.
Helping him up he was nervous, crying in his mother's arms. He complained that his knee hurt and I could see the panic spreading across the mother's face. I asked if I could help, with my friend explaining that I was a pediatric nurse - after a quick exam I could tell that more than anything he was scared, his mom as well.
His range of motion and weight bearing on the knee were fine and he did not have any bruising, tenderness or swelling. Within a few minutes of me examining his knee he said it was all better. But he stayed sitting, wrapped in his mom's arms. Asking if they needed anything before we continued on, (at which they replied they were OK and thanked us) I turned to go leaving the pair sitting on a rock.
I only took a few steps forward before acknowledging the feeling that there was more that could be done. I apologized to my friend for slowing us down, then turned and asked the boy and his mother if they wanted us to wait and hike down with them when they were ready. I could see the relief wash over the mother's face as she said "yes" and immediately stood to continue on.
The New England autumn had left the trail covered in beautiful slippery leaves. And so we went slowly, ensuring secure footsteps.
I realized that I was being gifted with more time to take in the beauty of the woods, conversation with friends and connections. And a heart a bit more open.
Left behind were a young boy and his mother who seemed unsteady and unsure on the trail. We slowed our pace for a bit to talk with them before eventually passing them. They caught up again when my friend paused to tie her shoe. The boy at that moment slipped and tumbled forward. My friend attempting to catch him as he rolled down the trail.Helping him up he was nervous, crying in his mother's arms. He complained that his knee hurt and I could see the panic spreading across the mother's face. I asked if I could help, with my friend explaining that I was a pediatric nurse - after a quick exam I could tell that more than anything he was scared, his mom as well.
His range of motion and weight bearing on the knee were fine and he did not have any bruising, tenderness or swelling. Within a few minutes of me examining his knee he said it was all better. But he stayed sitting, wrapped in his mom's arms. Asking if they needed anything before we continued on, (at which they replied they were OK and thanked us) I turned to go leaving the pair sitting on a rock.
I only took a few steps forward before acknowledging the feeling that there was more that could be done. I apologized to my friend for slowing us down, then turned and asked the boy and his mother if they wanted us to wait and hike down with them when they were ready. I could see the relief wash over the mother's face as she said "yes" and immediately stood to continue on.
The New England autumn had left the trail covered in beautiful slippery leaves. And so we went slowly, ensuring secure footsteps.
I realized that I was being gifted with more time to take in the beauty of the woods, conversation with friends and connections. And a heart a bit more open.
4244 Reads
- Posted by eckyssister
- Nov 7, 2015
- Comments (13)
Readers Comments
kvpsummer wrote: What a beautiful story. I am so glad you listened to that little voice inside that we so often ignore. Just beautiful.
Skirnir Hamilton wrote: Thank you for stopping and then walking with them as they finished their hike. I am sure that helped a great deal. That was the best thing one could do, as it alleviated their fears greatly, i am sure.
sandra wrote: Blessings upon you - too often people ignore the soft whisper that could so often be the voice of the lord. Your kindness will be repaid in many ways.
Hank wrote: I am so glad you listened to your heart! What a great reminder to us all. Blessings to you and to this family!
MARIANNE wrote: That is a beautiful story and a reminder to me understand there is always more that i can give.
lydiabarker60@gmail.com wrote: Lovely i want to slow down more
Novice50 wrote: Thank you for taking the time to notice!
splain wrote: You really to your inner voice. A gut voice that you had to do something different. walking the mountain is incredible but to turn around and go back, enjoy conversation, and connection, was the gift.
kjoyw wrote: True kindness! And so mindfully done. You used this extra time to be more in the moment and really take in all that was around you!
terre wrote: Thank you for listening to your inner self.
