the circle

Grandpa walked in slowly, leaning heavily on his cane. When he reached the couch, he carefully lowered his worn body down. "The arthritis is bad today. But, I'll feel better tomorrow. It always goes up and down."

My baby crawled over to him, pulled himself up to standing at the coffee table, and reached his hand over to rest on Grandpa's knee. It made the old man smile. Baby started to walk around the table, using it for support as he side-stepped along. "He's really coming along with that walking," Grandpa commented.

I marveled at the circle of life on display before me. One man, near the end, struggling to keep his mobility. One child, near the beginning, working to gain his. Both dependent on having something, or someone, help them with each step; walking carefully, cautiously. Moving on.

And, still smiling...