Here I am at home and wondering why I am not walking to San Diego!! Donna and I were together all last week and I certainly do miss her. We shared so many family stories. It was my great joy to get to know her better.
As I reflect on this whole journey, I am struck by the generosity and caring that so many people showed us. I know I cannot name everyone, so I will not try, but please know all of you who worked on this endeavor with us will never be forgotten. This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life and encourage me to continue to fight for disabled veterans and for the memorial they so deserve.
The media coverage has been wonderful and included ABC Channel 7 in Los Angeles, The San Diego Tribune, ABC Channel 10 in San Diego and XETV Bay City Television in San Diego (interview tomorrow morning). My thanks to all who gave their time and energies from these news agencies.
I guess what I want everyone to remember that reads this last blog is that our nation's disabled veterans deserve our respect and support. They have given their "normal" life for that of a disabled veteran. These men and women wake up every morning with some type of a disability and continue to be good citizens of our country. You may not see their disability, but that does not mean they are not in pain. Many are visibly disabled, as Kenny was, and that is hard to live with, but they do live with it and make important contributions to our lives. Please remember they fought for our rights. They fought for our right to get up every morning and live free. We will never forget. I will never forget and I will never stop fighting for the honor and respect they deserve.
Thank you, all of you, for the love and support you have given all of us during this incredible journey. To my family, you are amazing and I love all of you so much. Your love and support carried me through. As always, I will continue to walk in God's footsteps. God bless you.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
DAY SIX - SAN DIEGO VA !!!
Amazing day! Started in Del Mar this morning and we were joined by my son Matthew and daughter-in-law Christy and good friends Debbie, Blake, Jen, Tom and Amber. The day was perfect. Cloudy and cool. The route was through Del Mar, Torrey Pines and on into La Jolla and the San Diego VA Medical Center. As we walked along, Kenna, Matt, Hunter and Jared (my daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons) also joined us. What a great group! Donna and I were excited and made very good time.
We were surprised to find quite a few people at the VA to greet us with applause, balloons, lunch and hugs. My sincere thanks to the San Diego VA and DAV - CA and DAV San Diego Service office for their support and hard work on behalf of the Walking for Those Who Can't group.
It is hard to believe that the Walk is over. The week went by fast, even though some of the days were challenging. My goal was to create awareness of disabled veterans and the Memorial they deserve. My goal was reached many times over. I can never thank all of you enough. This has been an uplifting and emotional journey. Personally, my walk followed in Gods footsteps and there was not a better place to be. May God bless and keep each and every one of you.
We were surprised to find quite a few people at the VA to greet us with applause, balloons, lunch and hugs. My sincere thanks to the San Diego VA and DAV - CA and DAV San Diego Service office for their support and hard work on behalf of the Walking for Those Who Can't group.
It is hard to believe that the Walk is over. The week went by fast, even though some of the days were challenging. My goal was to create awareness of disabled veterans and the Memorial they deserve. My goal was reached many times over. I can never thank all of you enough. This has been an uplifting and emotional journey. Personally, my walk followed in Gods footsteps and there was not a better place to be. May God bless and keep each and every one of you.
Friday, October 22, 2010
DAY FIVE!!!
Cannot believe we have made it to Del Mar. We got a late start because Donna rubbed a blister on her foot and was not sure she would be able to walk today. She bandaged it up and we started about 9:00 a.m. She is one tough cookie!! We walked together all day and made it to Del Mar about 4:00 p.m. It was a beautiful walk. The beach is so picturesque.
Fortunately for us, we talked to Mitch at Leucadia Surf Shop and he told us that the way we thought of going in Torrey Pines was not the way to go. The beach trail that looked so good would have taken us to another beach and not back to the road. God is so GREAT!! He has taken care of us all the way.
Just in case anyone is meeting us at Camino Del Mar and Highway 101 in Del Mar - this is not an intersection as we had thought. The cross street is Via de La Valle and Camino Del Mar/Highway 101. Right there Highway 101 turns into Camino Del Mar. We will be there before eight in the morning and have the big van close to the intersection with the sign on it.
I am so looking forward to walking this final leg of our trip. I am so grateful to Donna for walking all the way with me. She made the trip a little more eventful than we had planned, but her steadfast friendship was incredible. I know that we will walk into the San Diego VA together tomorrow.
I also want to thank Matt for his posting the photos from Camp Pendleton and the send off at the Long Beach VA. It has made the blog so interesting to look at for everyone.
I will have one more posting when I get home tomorrow night. I am trying not to get too emotional right now. Thank you to all who have participated and encouraged us.
Once again, we will be walking in God's footsteps to the San Diego VA. Can't get much better than that!!!
Fortunately for us, we talked to Mitch at Leucadia Surf Shop and he told us that the way we thought of going in Torrey Pines was not the way to go. The beach trail that looked so good would have taken us to another beach and not back to the road. God is so GREAT!! He has taken care of us all the way.
Just in case anyone is meeting us at Camino Del Mar and Highway 101 in Del Mar - this is not an intersection as we had thought. The cross street is Via de La Valle and Camino Del Mar/Highway 101. Right there Highway 101 turns into Camino Del Mar. We will be there before eight in the morning and have the big van close to the intersection with the sign on it.
I am so looking forward to walking this final leg of our trip. I am so grateful to Donna for walking all the way with me. She made the trip a little more eventful than we had planned, but her steadfast friendship was incredible. I know that we will walk into the San Diego VA together tomorrow.
I also want to thank Matt for his posting the photos from Camp Pendleton and the send off at the Long Beach VA. It has made the blog so interesting to look at for everyone.
I will have one more posting when I get home tomorrow night. I am trying not to get too emotional right now. Thank you to all who have participated and encouraged us.
Once again, we will be walking in God's footsteps to the San Diego VA. Can't get much better than that!!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
DAY FOUR!!!
Here we are in Carlsbad. What a day! We started at the Las Pulgas gate at Camp Pendleton with quite a large group of well wishers, DAV members and Ricky Henderson from Camp Pendleton. We got off about 8:10 a.m. and Brad Barton led the way pushing himself in his wheelchair. Brad, being a former Marine, pushed himself the whole 9 miles through the Camp. What a determined guy! We were joined today by Bob, John and Adam (cousins of Donna), Richard, Don and our wonderful Matt. I neglected to mention Kathy and Fred took over the driver duties yesterday. They escorted us through the Camp today, one in front and one in back with flashers on! It was great because so many people honked and waved as we trudged along. It made us feel so good.
It is hard to believe we are almost done with this adventure. Everything we hoped for has happened and more. So many times I have felt Kenny so close that I wanted to reach out and touch him. Even though we have been through a day of heavy rains, I know we were always following in Gods footsteps. He has kept us safe every day.
Tomorrow we will get through Carlsbad, Solana Beach and into Del Mar. We are looking forward to some pretty large hills, but we can do it!!! Stay tuned!
P.S. There was a wonderful article in the O.C. Register online. Thanks to Michael for the great photos and Jamie for the article.
It is hard to believe we are almost done with this adventure. Everything we hoped for has happened and more. So many times I have felt Kenny so close that I wanted to reach out and touch him. Even though we have been through a day of heavy rains, I know we were always following in Gods footsteps. He has kept us safe every day.
Tomorrow we will get through Carlsbad, Solana Beach and into Del Mar. We are looking forward to some pretty large hills, but we can do it!!! Stay tuned!
P.S. There was a wonderful article in the O.C. Register online. Thanks to Michael for the great photos and Jamie for the article.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Today was a long hard day. The weather was better but it was much further than the 18 miles that I had anticipated. The drivers of the van estimated that it was at least 20 miles. The highlight of the day was walking through the tunnel that the tanks from Camp Pendleton use. It was completely covered in at least two inches of mud.
As if the day wasn't long and exciting enough, immediately after we finished eating our dinner at the restaurant, my walking partner Donna Barton that drove down from Oregon to walk the entire week with me, passed out at the dinner table. She was unconscious for several minutes and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. I am happy to report that the doctors found nothing wrong with her and as long as the doctors give her the ok she plans on walking again tomorrow.
As if the day wasn't long and exciting enough, immediately after we finished eating our dinner at the restaurant, my walking partner Donna Barton that drove down from Oregon to walk the entire week with me, passed out at the dinner table. She was unconscious for several minutes and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. I am happy to report that the doctors found nothing wrong with her and as long as the doctors give her the ok she plans on walking again tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
DAY TWO!!
This has been the most challenging day and most exciting day! To say it was wet, well that is an understatement. We started at Jamboree Rd in Newport Beach and sloshed through Corona Del Mar. The sidewalk situation was minimal. I had not walked in the bike lane before, decided I would when needed. Well, today it was needed. Donna and I had on bright green emergency ponchos with relfective vests over them. Not sure what people thought, but no one wanted to get too close to us. Once we explained what we were doing, they were very supportive.
We had to stop at Pelican Point due to hail (Donna called it sleet) and put the wheelchair and ourselves in the vans. Only a 15 minute break and we were off again.
Sloshing on to Laguna Beach. A good friend of mine joined us in Laguna. She was just a crazy as Donna and I. That is a very hilly place. Once again, not many sidewalks. We resorted to running around cars when we had a break in oncoming traffic. That was exhilarating! I was surprised I could run with Kenny's wheelchair. But we made it.
After passing South Laguna we finally arrived at Dana Point. There, we at least had sidewalks. Never thought I would like sidewalks so much. With only 2 miles to go, we forged ahead and arrived at Del Prado Rd. and Golden Lantern. It was 4:00 p.m. We were thrilled we made such good time considering the weather and obstacle course for a route.
Mike (photographer)from the OC Register met us at Jamboree Road and stayed with us for at least 2 hours. He drove ahead and stopped to take more pictures. He was soaked just like us! Hopefully, we will see some of the photos in the OC Register newspaper.
As I reflect on the past two days, I realize that I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Yesterday, Sal drove the van all day. He and Brad (Donna's husband) struck a friendship. We were joined by Richard, Larry, Michael, Devrick, Suzi, Nancy, another Larry, Bob, Sue, Debbie and, of course, Matt. My friend Nan ferried Sue to and from the route and followed us along the way taking pictures. Today, Peggy drove to Laguna Beach and then Debbie and Cheryl drove the rest. As I said above, Kathy met us and walked to Dana Point. Once again, Nan followed along and took Peggy home.
I want to thank all my wonderful friends for their time, energy and efforts on behalf of this walk. My thanks to Donna and Brad for coming down from Portland and Donna for walking the whole week. My family has been amazing. This is one of those times when "Thank You!" does not seem like enough. My love to all.
Tomorrow will be another challenging day. We will walk 18.5 miles, ending up at Las Pulgas Rd at the entrance to Camp Pendleton. Hopefully, it won't be quite as wet as today.
We are walking in God's footsteps for Those Who Can't Walk!
We had to stop at Pelican Point due to hail (Donna called it sleet) and put the wheelchair and ourselves in the vans. Only a 15 minute break and we were off again.
Sloshing on to Laguna Beach. A good friend of mine joined us in Laguna. She was just a crazy as Donna and I. That is a very hilly place. Once again, not many sidewalks. We resorted to running around cars when we had a break in oncoming traffic. That was exhilarating! I was surprised I could run with Kenny's wheelchair. But we made it.
After passing South Laguna we finally arrived at Dana Point. There, we at least had sidewalks. Never thought I would like sidewalks so much. With only 2 miles to go, we forged ahead and arrived at Del Prado Rd. and Golden Lantern. It was 4:00 p.m. We were thrilled we made such good time considering the weather and obstacle course for a route.
Mike (photographer)from the OC Register met us at Jamboree Road and stayed with us for at least 2 hours. He drove ahead and stopped to take more pictures. He was soaked just like us! Hopefully, we will see some of the photos in the OC Register newspaper.
As I reflect on the past two days, I realize that I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Yesterday, Sal drove the van all day. He and Brad (Donna's husband) struck a friendship. We were joined by Richard, Larry, Michael, Devrick, Suzi, Nancy, another Larry, Bob, Sue, Debbie and, of course, Matt. My friend Nan ferried Sue to and from the route and followed us along the way taking pictures. Today, Peggy drove to Laguna Beach and then Debbie and Cheryl drove the rest. As I said above, Kathy met us and walked to Dana Point. Once again, Nan followed along and took Peggy home.
I want to thank all my wonderful friends for their time, energy and efforts on behalf of this walk. My thanks to Donna and Brad for coming down from Portland and Donna for walking the whole week. My family has been amazing. This is one of those times when "Thank You!" does not seem like enough. My love to all.
Tomorrow will be another challenging day. We will walk 18.5 miles, ending up at Las Pulgas Rd at the entrance to Camp Pendleton. Hopefully, it won't be quite as wet as today.
We are walking in God's footsteps for Those Who Can't Walk!
Monday, October 18, 2010
DAY ONE!!
Great Day!!! Day one was more than I could ever hope for. It started at the Long Beach VA with a great group of people. The LBVA had muffins, coffee and orange juice for everyone. Channel 7 ABC News was there to record an interview and that was quite exciting. All went off on time and we started on the days journey right on time. My sincere "Thank You" to the Long Beach VA and CA Disabled American Veterans for their support and hard work for the send off.
Several people joined us during the day for the walk to Newport Beach. I am so blessed to have wonderful family and friends. I am in awe of all the amazing people that want to help and drive the van or walk with us. The Orange County Register had a videographer at the end of the route today to record us walking and interviewed myself and Matt.
Feeling good and going to get to bed early tonight!! Tomorrow will be a challenge as we walk through Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach and into Dana Point. Lots of hills and valleys! And, not much sidewalk. I am sure that the Lord will protect us as we walk.
God bless each of you. More tomorrow night!
Several people joined us during the day for the walk to Newport Beach. I am so blessed to have wonderful family and friends. I am in awe of all the amazing people that want to help and drive the van or walk with us. The Orange County Register had a videographer at the end of the route today to record us walking and interviewed myself and Matt.
Feeling good and going to get to bed early tonight!! Tomorrow will be a challenge as we walk through Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach and into Dana Point. Lots of hills and valleys! And, not much sidewalk. I am sure that the Lord will protect us as we walk.
God bless each of you. More tomorrow night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)