Staying Fit

I requested a FitBit for my birthday gift this year because of my son EJ’s influence on being physically fit with more exercise and less sugar. EJ had slowly dropped pounds and his medical stats from his latest physical were very impressive. If I had a good day with many steps, I would text EJ and share my walking (not running) data with him. He loved stats and running/walking, and he liked to hear that his new life style was changing my life style.

This morning when I strapped on my FitBit, the daily message that flashed across the screen was “right foot, then left foot.” I took the message to heart because I read what Rabbi Eli Rubenstein said about grief after his loved one died on September 11^th. The Rabbi said, “The only useful advice anyone ever gave me about coping with overwhelming grief is this: Put you right foot in front of your left foot, then your left foot in front of your right foot, and continue moving forward until you return to the world of the living.”

I would like to respectfully add an addendum to Rabbi Rubenstein’s excellent observation: along the way, our God, our family, and our friends carry us when we cannot walk.

The message on my FitBit had a double meaning for me today. It reminded me of EJ’s impressive discipline, striving for perfection, and I was reminded that the grief I carry for him will take awhile. I will need to keep walking through this unimaginable sorrow. I have the assurance that my God, family and friends will carry me when I cannot take another step on my own.

Thank you, my son, for reminding me to stay fit.