Walking for a Cause

This photo is from a trip my family took to Florida on summer.  It's my grandpa (dad's dad), my dad, me, my cousin Kevin, my older sister Jane, and my Uncle Jim.  It was a great trip... one we often bring up fondly.  I like that I'm looking at my grandfather in this photo. 

When I was about 13 years old, my grandfather died.  It was late spring, early afternoon.  He was cutting the grass and had a massive heart attack.  I remember my grandmother was in the back of the house and noticed the sound of the lawmover just sitting.  She looked out the window and saw him on the ground.  He died instantly.  He was just in his early 60s. 

Today was the American Heart Association walk.  My company sponsored the walk and we had a team walking.  I walked with my family.  It was good to be there for my job, but it felt good to be there with my family.  And, it felt good to walk for my grandfather. 

A 5k is a long walk for a 6 and 8 year old.  And, by the 2nd mile they started whinning.  In fact, I had to carry Lucy on my back for about a mile of it.  But, it's good to expose the kids to these activities.  This is Kyra's 2nd 5k this year.  I think the more of these we do, the more active my children will be. 

I don't remember my Grandfather being very physically active.  Of course, I was young and he was ancient to me.  He seemed like a typical grandfather.  Sat in his chair.  Enjoyed a cup of coffee.  Smoked a pipe.  I will forever love the smell of a pipe because it will always remind me of him. 

The fact that he was cutting his own grass when he died shows he was somewhat active. But, would more activity have prevented the heart attack?  I have no idea.  I was too young to know all the specifics.  

What I do know is I want to start encouraging activity in my kids at an early age...  make walks part of our norm.  Encourage as much activity as possible.  Play. Run.  Walk... especially when walking is for such a good cause.