Cedric's Mission
Everyday I like to go for a surf before work at my local surf spot, Bondi Beach in Sydney. The area is always busy with people exercising, walking, surfing, and swimming. The other day as I was stretching, I noticed an old chap walking along, plastic bag in hand, slowly walking towards me as he stopped every few metres to pick up some trash and put it in the bag. I stood there observing him until he saw me, at which point I had no choice; I had to go over and say thank you for caring for our beach, for taking the time to pick up what others have left. Cedric, I learned, has been doing this for a few years now. "Well, when you reach my age you have to find things to do to keep busy. I love the beach, and I need to be active. So why not do something worthwhile whilst I'm taking my walk?" He went on to tell me that a few other people have followed suit and told him that he was the inspiration they needed to get started. He receives regular hugs from the locals who have gotten to know him over the years, their first conversation starting the way ours did. He also picks up several beach toys on his walk, and then leaves them by the kiddie pool at the end of the beach. He also leaves a stack of cuttlefish bones by the showers as a treat for anyone that has a pet bird. "I'll see you around," he said, as he trundled on his way to the next piece of discarded trash. "You can bet on it, Cedric," I said as I ran into the surf with a smile that would last the rest of the week.