Learning How to Use Feet

26 Nov 2007
Learning how to use feet.

I've been inspired by Ash's "people watching" blogs, so I will share a people watching experience of my own.

Sitting up in the main reception area of the hospital during my lunch break one day last week, I saw something charming.

An old man, probably in his 70's judging by his head of white hair, walked along. Clutching the fingers of one hand was a small child, a toddler, who had obviously just discovered how to use his feet. The old man used his other hand to push the child's stroller. The man was bent over in a rather uncomfortable-looking pose as he tried to manage both the child and the stroller. They took a few steps together, then the child would start to lose his balance, and the old man would steady him. For several minutes I watched them. The man had such patience for this little boy, who smiled and pointed and landed on his bum. The old man laughed, helped the boy to stand, and took a few more steps, all the while walking with his back bent forwards. This scenario repeated a few times, then the child stopped and rubbed his eyes with his tiny fist. The old man paused, and the little boy let go of is hand and wobbled to the front of the stroller. The little one tried to climb in by himself, and the old man lifted him up into the seat. All settled in his stroller, the little boy rubbed his eyes one more time, then almost immediately fell asleep. The old man, finally able to stand upright again, put both hands on the handle of the stroller and walked on.

It was beautiful to see this moment...the love of the old man for the child, and the trust of the child in the old man.