Brrr. A chilly walk on the Mall

From Walkathon

This morning was an invigorating start to my weekend. I got up bright and early (with the birds, as my father would say) to join 25,000 other participants from the VA, DC, and MD area for a fund-raising walk on the Mall for the homeless. Sponsored by Fanny Mae (irony here?), the Help the Homeless Walkathon raises money for DC's estimated 12,000 homeless. I grumbled to get out of bed this morning, dressed in multiple warm layers of clothing, and hoofed it to catch the Metro, all before a civil hour on a Saturday. The temperature was just about freezing at 28F (-2C). A chilly but cloudless and sunny morning -- we could see our breath as we waited on the National Mall to register and gather. Toes and fingers slowly became sore and numb from the cool air. It felt good to get moving, even if we only walked 5K (app. 3 miles).

From Walkathon

Tons of people were in good spirits -- we had groups singing, cheerleaders, a percussion ensemble, jugglers, and a marching band to cheer us on. All said and done with at the end of the event around 10:30 a.m., I grabbed the complementary water, rubbed together my frozen digits, and headed back to the Metro to my cozy home for a hot cup of coffee and a rest. I can't help but wonder... how does it feel when you don't have a heat, hot water, a bed, or a home? I cannot even begin to imagine. I thank God for all the big and small blessings in my life -- and I must keep reminding myself that they are only mine to share with others.