In the beginning she walked easily. Four miles a day, seven days a week, no matter the weather. Eager to meet you, wanting to hear your story, ready to tell a story, hoping your dog be friendly.
Thanks, nice dogs large and small, for warm fur and wet kisses. Thanks, Lincoln Garden Club for the water fountain and the beauty of Peace Park. She needed both. Thanks to Lincoln’s school children who, racing past on Wednesday afternoons without knocking her down, gave of their exuberance. Thanks, Lincoln, for offering her rides on wet and cold days. And for accepting when she cheerfully and unequivocally declined. Declining made her feel stronger. *She needs a cane now, hearing aids, glasses. She forgets your names and faces, is amazed you know hers. * Thanks, Lincoln Police Department, for protecting her cross-walk and listening to her stories. Thanks, Lincoln Library, for supplying a steady stream of good books. *She wears out several canes. Now switches to a rollator – red -- so she can paint the town. Miles per day decreases to three. Pace, slow but resolute.* Thanks, Lincoln, for calling her an inspiration; it made her try harder. Thanks, bus drivers of Doherty’s Garage for every honk, wave, smile. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Thanks, young biker who shouted, “Hello, Invincible!” Pierce Hill Road gets steeper. She stops to rest in the middle of the road. Thanks for stopping to ask if she’s ok. And for telling her to move over. Onwards and upwards she walked. It took three heart attacks to stop her. Thank you, Lincoln, for seeing, accepting, protecting, and cherishing her. When last seen, Mama was heading east towards Harvard Medical School, eager to tell a new story to medical students studying anatomy. For Elinor P Nichols (March 11,1927 - September 7, 2022) By her daughter, Kathleen
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