WINNEBAGO, Neb. (KCAU) – Winnebago Integrated Health System hosted its 25th annual Spiritual Walk Tuesday morning to raise awareness of healthy living habits.
“We’re starting to realize that this is a walk for sobriety, but it’s also a walk to celebrate life,” said Scott Aldrich, a youth substance abuse prevention specialist with Winnebago Public Health.
The annual Spiritual Walk brings together community members to remember past relatives who have died from alcohol and encourage future sobriety.
“It impacts the community on many different levels,” Aldrich said. “On a mental level, on a physical level, on an emotional level, and just making the family understand that life is worth living in a healthy way.”
The first Spiritual Walk was held along a seven-mile stretch of road between Homer and Winnebago in memory of those killed in drunk driving accidents.
“We put cigarettes at different places where relatives died. And their families had publicists who talked about their lives. And we thought they were dead for some reason. I tried to think of it as if I had walked away,” Aldrich said.
Moving to a safer location, this year’s participants walked a mile around the Land of Wellness Softball Complex.
Dennis Liffey, a Winnebago tribal member and registered drug and alcohol counselor, said, “I’ve been there a few times and it’s been great to be a part of the community and talk about my loved ones.” It was really helpful to be able to do that.”
Blessed with nice spring weather, Tuesday’s walk gave area residents a chance to clear their minds and learn from the past.
“Spending time in nature can be a great place to pray, walk, and reflect on taking a break from your hectic schedule of work and responsibilities,” Liffey said.
“We’ve walked rain and shine,” Aldrich said. “So today is one of those days that shows there are blessings that come from being outside in nature.”
