Lenape Trail, Millburn August 9, 2018
It was 93 degrees, I knew my walk would be short and sweet, and left my bag and walking stick in the car. My keys were clipped to my belt and they jangled with each step so I tucked them in my pocket. As I made my way up into the woods the uneven rocky trail gradually turned into a smooth gravel path. I walked alone with just the crunching of the gravel and the sound of a waterfall in the distance. This trail is parallel to the South Mountain Fairy Trail and as the sound of the waterfall grew I decided to cross paths and make my way down to see it. The gravel ended, loose rocks were slippery under my feet, and I began to have second thoughts as I attempted to descend down the hill without my stick to steady my way. I suddenly heard a jangle and as I went to shove my keys back into my pocket so I could focus on the task at hand I realized they were already there. A friendly dog was off leash and rushed up behind me nudging me behind my right knee. His tags jangled and his whole body swayed to and fro as his tail wagged with joy. His owner called his name and he romped back up the hill smoothly and swiftly. It was only as he turned away that I noticed he had three legs. Hours later I keep replaying our moments together and am still convinced he wobbled with joy, not because of any challenge or limitation. So if you see me wobble in the summer sun it’s probably just my tail wagging.