I work just a block from a set of senior apartments.  Because of this, I see elderly people heading in and out of the complex, catching the bus, walking their dogs, sitting in the front lobby as I zoom by.

The other day was one of those days.  I was walking from work and passed a rather elderly woman, using a walker.  She must have been in her eighties, and honestly she looked tired and a bit crouched over as she carefully made her way up the street.

I passed her hurredly on my way to an appointment.  Yet, the sight of her filled me with joy.

I felt joyful for this woman, that she was still living well into older age.  Joyful for her family and friends who have not yet suffered the loss of her from their lives.  Joyful for the fact that she was still walking, feeling the sunshine outdoors, and doing so independently. 

I don’t know if this woman feels joy at all that she has.  While I felt a temptation to run up and say all of this to her, I of course kept these thoughts to myself.  All she saw was a smile from me.  But I hope knows all of this.  I hope she feels her own joy.