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!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
IT IS HERE!!!
In the morning we will all gather at the Long Beach VA Medical Center about 7:30 a.m. and by 8:00 a.m. take off. The "Walking for Those Who Can't" officially begins. I find it hard to believe that we will finally be walking to the San Diego VA. So much time and energy has gone into this effort by so many people.
I am feeling good. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep tonight. It is hard to put into words how I am feeling right now. A little nervous and a lot excited. So many friends have sent good wishes and several have mentioned how Kenny would be proud. His heart and soul went into this Memorial and to think that this walk may play a small part in making it a reality is overwhelming.
To every disabled veteran - I want you to know that this is for YOU! You deserve all the gratitude and honor that we, as a nation, can muster. Thank you for your service.
I will be calling Kenna along the way and she will update this blog. To my amazing family - Thank you and Mom/Grandma loves you.
I am feeling good. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep tonight. It is hard to put into words how I am feeling right now. A little nervous and a lot excited. So many friends have sent good wishes and several have mentioned how Kenny would be proud. His heart and soul went into this Memorial and to think that this walk may play a small part in making it a reality is overwhelming.
To every disabled veteran - I want you to know that this is for YOU! You deserve all the gratitude and honor that we, as a nation, can muster. Thank you for your service.
I will be calling Kenna along the way and she will update this blog. To my amazing family - Thank you and Mom/Grandma loves you.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday October 15, 2010
TWO MORE DAYS!!! The last day of training was this morning and I can't believe it. My trainer, Devrick, said that I am as ready as I will ever be. More than anything else, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to share this journey with so many wonderful people. As I have said before, my goal was to create awareness of the Memorial and disabled veterans. Right now, that goal has been met more than I ever thought possible. And, we haven't even started the walk!!
It has been an emotional day for me. My amazing son-in-law Matt called this morning and told me that a local TV station plans to be at the Long Beach VA on Monday morning for the send off. He had emailed several TV stations and one of them responded. They had already received the press releases, but his email put the final plan into action! I was in the Costco parking lot and was jumping up and down realizing that someone might have thought I had lost it. Well, I had!! My thoughts immediately turned to Kenny and how much I wished he were here to join us on this journey. I can just hear him laughing and saying, "Diane, go for it!!!" He will be with us all the way.
Spoke with a wonderful man in Florida this morning, Lyle. Last night he made a request for his DAV Chapter to donate $2000.00 to the Memorial in the name of the walk. To his great delight, they voted to do just that! He is the Chaplain for that Chapter and we talked for a while. He told me as we were saying goodbye, "Diane, walk in Gods footsteps." That is just what I plan to do.
So, as you can see, I am excited and emotional tonight. God is good.
It has been an emotional day for me. My amazing son-in-law Matt called this morning and told me that a local TV station plans to be at the Long Beach VA on Monday morning for the send off. He had emailed several TV stations and one of them responded. They had already received the press releases, but his email put the final plan into action! I was in the Costco parking lot and was jumping up and down realizing that someone might have thought I had lost it. Well, I had!! My thoughts immediately turned to Kenny and how much I wished he were here to join us on this journey. I can just hear him laughing and saying, "Diane, go for it!!!" He will be with us all the way.
Spoke with a wonderful man in Florida this morning, Lyle. Last night he made a request for his DAV Chapter to donate $2000.00 to the Memorial in the name of the walk. To his great delight, they voted to do just that! He is the Chaplain for that Chapter and we talked for a while. He told me as we were saying goodbye, "Diane, walk in Gods footsteps." That is just what I plan to do.
So, as you can see, I am excited and emotional tonight. God is good.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
THREE MORE DAYS TO GO
It is getting close! So many people have worked hard for this walk to be a success. It is a tribute to the men and women who served and became disabled. This is for them!
The send off at the Long Beach VA will be at the Patriot Park on the hospital grounds. The best way to go is to enter off of Bellflower Blvd. onto Sam Johnson Rd. Park in Parking lot "P" on the left. Then walk up Carob Rd, to the green area right behind the main building of the hospital. The program will start at 7:30 a.m. and the send off will be at 8:00 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there. God bless each and every one of you.
The send off at the Long Beach VA will be at the Patriot Park on the hospital grounds. The best way to go is to enter off of Bellflower Blvd. onto Sam Johnson Rd. Park in Parking lot "P" on the left. Then walk up Carob Rd, to the green area right behind the main building of the hospital. The program will start at 7:30 a.m. and the send off will be at 8:00 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there. God bless each and every one of you.
Monday, October 11, 2010
October 11.2010
Woohoo!!! 18 1/2 miles on Saturday! I was so excited. A good friend, Marie, walked the first 10 1/2 miles with me. It is amazing how much faster the time goes when you have someone to talk with along the way. To my surprise, I felt good. Good enough to come home, walk with Amber (my dog), eat dinner, shower and go to church. I have to admit that I was concerned that I would not be able to get out of bed Sunday morning. Actually, felt good Sunday morning. All the working out has definitely made the difference. God is good.
One week from today and we will be walking from the Long Beach VA to Newport Beach. The time has gone by so fast. So many people have helped with this effort. I always said that my goal was to create awareness of the Memorial and of disasbled veterans. THAT HAS HAPPENED!!! So many more people know about the Memorial and disabled veterans now.
Thank you for your interest and encouragement. Counting down the days!!!
One week from today and we will be walking from the Long Beach VA to Newport Beach. The time has gone by so fast. So many people have helped with this effort. I always said that my goal was to create awareness of the Memorial and of disasbled veterans. THAT HAS HAPPENED!!! So many more people know about the Memorial and disabled veterans now.
Thank you for your interest and encouragement. Counting down the days!!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6, 2010
Hi Everyone,
We are counting down the days and the walk is coming fast. Just for clarification, the dates of the walk are:
October 18 Start at Long Beach VA 7:30 a.m. Meet at Hospital 8:00 a.m. Depart
October 19 Begin at Jamboree Rd. Newport Beach 8:00 a.m.
October 20 Begin at Del Prado and Golden Lantern Rd Dana Point 8:00 a.m.
October 21 Begin at Las Pulgas Rd at Camp Pendleton 8:00 a.m.
October 22 Begin at Carlsbad Blvd and S. Coast Hwy Carlsbad 8:00 a.m.
October 23 Begin at Camino Del Mar and Hwy 101 in Del Mar 8:00 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing how many people come out and walk with us. It will be quite an adventure!
We are counting down the days and the walk is coming fast. Just for clarification, the dates of the walk are:
October 18 Start at Long Beach VA 7:30 a.m. Meet at Hospital 8:00 a.m. Depart
October 19 Begin at Jamboree Rd. Newport Beach 8:00 a.m.
October 20 Begin at Del Prado and Golden Lantern Rd Dana Point 8:00 a.m.
October 21 Begin at Las Pulgas Rd at Camp Pendleton 8:00 a.m.
October 22 Begin at Carlsbad Blvd and S. Coast Hwy Carlsbad 8:00 a.m.
October 23 Begin at Camino Del Mar and Hwy 101 in Del Mar 8:00 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing how many people come out and walk with us. It will be quite an adventure!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Two Weeks to GO!!!
I am getting excited!! As I drove to the gym this morning, I looked around and realized that we will be walking right by the gym on the 18th of October. It made me work harder than ever today.
The news media alerts will be going out today or tomorrow and I am hoping there will be some interest in the walk and the Memorial. So many people are coming together to make this event memorable. I am trying not to look too far ahead and take each day as it comes. So many details to be ironed out. We are having the second and final meeting this Friday night. I know we will have it all organized and ready to go.
Walked this afternoon in the rain here in HB. Figured that it might be raining during the walk, so might as well see how it feels. It was good. Just have to watch where you step or you kind of slide around. That would not be good!
Getting hungry, so must fix myself some yummy chicken, peas, and angel hair pasta. A high protein diet can be a little boring, but necessary right now.
More later!
The news media alerts will be going out today or tomorrow and I am hoping there will be some interest in the walk and the Memorial. So many people are coming together to make this event memorable. I am trying not to look too far ahead and take each day as it comes. So many details to be ironed out. We are having the second and final meeting this Friday night. I know we will have it all organized and ready to go.
Walked this afternoon in the rain here in HB. Figured that it might be raining during the walk, so might as well see how it feels. It was good. Just have to watch where you step or you kind of slide around. That would not be good!
Getting hungry, so must fix myself some yummy chicken, peas, and angel hair pasta. A high protein diet can be a little boring, but necessary right now.
More later!
Friday, October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
What a GREAT DAY! Worked out this morning and then walked 13 1/2 miles. My feet don't hurt and I can still walk! Things are looking good.
Found out yesterday that the send off at the Long Beach VA Medical Center is going to be a festive occasion. The medical center and the DAV-CA (organized by Mike Burns) are joining together to send all walkers off in grand style. There will be refreshments, a balloon arch to walk through and several brochures and flyer's about the Memorial and the Commemorative Coin. After talking to Jim Galliher (DAV National Service Office Supervisor - S.D.) it seems that the arrival at the San Diego VA Medical Center is also going to be quite an event. Refreshments and a great group of disabled veterans to welcome us to San Diego. We are, of course, hoping to get some news coverage. That would be very exciting!
My goal has been, and will always be, to create awareness for the Memorial and all disabled veterans. The walk is coming up fast and even though I get nervous at times, I am confident that it will be an uplifting and emotional journey. As much as I miss my guy, I know that Kenny will be walking right beside me all the way. Life is good and I am so thankful to my amazing family, my steadfast friends and most of all to God for the opportunity to give just a little back.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Found out yesterday that the send off at the Long Beach VA Medical Center is going to be a festive occasion. The medical center and the DAV-CA (organized by Mike Burns) are joining together to send all walkers off in grand style. There will be refreshments, a balloon arch to walk through and several brochures and flyer's about the Memorial and the Commemorative Coin. After talking to Jim Galliher (DAV National Service Office Supervisor - S.D.) it seems that the arrival at the San Diego VA Medical Center is also going to be quite an event. Refreshments and a great group of disabled veterans to welcome us to San Diego. We are, of course, hoping to get some news coverage. That would be very exciting!
My goal has been, and will always be, to create awareness for the Memorial and all disabled veterans. The walk is coming up fast and even though I get nervous at times, I am confident that it will be an uplifting and emotional journey. As much as I miss my guy, I know that Kenny will be walking right beside me all the way. Life is good and I am so thankful to my amazing family, my steadfast friends and most of all to God for the opportunity to give just a little back.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 29, 2010
Hi Everyone!
Great day!!! Worked out for 2 hours this morning and feel good. My wonderful trainer, Devrick Lampley, is determined for me to be ready for this adventure. With his guidance and expertise, I am now stronger than I ever thought I could be at the age of 64.
Many of you have asked for more detailed information of the route. So here goes:
We will be leaving each morning at 8:00 a.m. from these points.
Monday October 18 LBVA 7th Street in Long Beach
Tuesday October 19 Jamboree Rd and PCH in Newport Beach
Wednesday October 20 Del Prado and Golden Lantern St in Dana Point
Thursday October 21 Old Pacific Hwy and Las Pulgas Rd in Oceanside (Camp Pendleton)
Friday October 22 Carlsbad Blvd and S. Coast Hwy in Carlsbad
Saturday October 23 Camino Del Mar and Hwy 101 in San Diego
It is difficult to give more detailed information as of time during the day. Much depends on traffic and how many people stop us to chat. We plan to go about 2.5 miles per hour and will have pit stops for food and rest.
If you are interested in joining us, please let me know. We would love to have you!
More later.
Great day!!! Worked out for 2 hours this morning and feel good. My wonderful trainer, Devrick Lampley, is determined for me to be ready for this adventure. With his guidance and expertise, I am now stronger than I ever thought I could be at the age of 64.
Many of you have asked for more detailed information of the route. So here goes:
We will be leaving each morning at 8:00 a.m. from these points.
Monday October 18 LBVA 7th Street in Long Beach
Tuesday October 19 Jamboree Rd and PCH in Newport Beach
Wednesday October 20 Del Prado and Golden Lantern St in Dana Point
Thursday October 21 Old Pacific Hwy and Las Pulgas Rd in Oceanside (Camp Pendleton)
Friday October 22 Carlsbad Blvd and S. Coast Hwy in Carlsbad
Saturday October 23 Camino Del Mar and Hwy 101 in San Diego
It is difficult to give more detailed information as of time during the day. Much depends on traffic and how many people stop us to chat. We plan to go about 2.5 miles per hour and will have pit stops for food and rest.
If you are interested in joining us, please let me know. We would love to have you!
More later.
Monday, September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Hi Everyone!
It has been an eventful few days. Arrived home from Arizona and drove down to San Diego on Saturday, September 25 to attend the San Diego Chapter #2 Disabled American Veterans picnic. What a great turn out! To my surprise, the members of Chapter #2 donated $3000.00 to the Memorial. I was almost speechless. Their generosity and dedication to disabled veterans was so overwhelming. It touched my heart and I thanked them for all disabled veterans and their families.
We are happy to report that the VA Medical Centers in Long Beach and San Diego are planning exciting events for the Walking for Those Who Can't participants. Hopefully, we will receive news coverage. I am very grateful to the Voluntary Services Departments for their support and encouragement of this event.
We have a new fundraising website just for the walk: www.avdlm.org/faf/dav/walk. We are asking those who wish to donate to the Memorial to please use this website. The avdlm.org website also has information about the walk.
Personally, my prayer is that all disabled veterans receive the recognition and honor they deserve. This Memorial will give them just that!! Thank you for following along with all of us on this adventure.
It has been an eventful few days. Arrived home from Arizona and drove down to San Diego on Saturday, September 25 to attend the San Diego Chapter #2 Disabled American Veterans picnic. What a great turn out! To my surprise, the members of Chapter #2 donated $3000.00 to the Memorial. I was almost speechless. Their generosity and dedication to disabled veterans was so overwhelming. It touched my heart and I thanked them for all disabled veterans and their families.
We are happy to report that the VA Medical Centers in Long Beach and San Diego are planning exciting events for the Walking for Those Who Can't participants. Hopefully, we will receive news coverage. I am very grateful to the Voluntary Services Departments for their support and encouragement of this event.
We have a new fundraising website just for the walk: www.avdlm.org/faf/dav/walk. We are asking those who wish to donate to the Memorial to please use this website. The avdlm.org website also has information about the walk.
Personally, my prayer is that all disabled veterans receive the recognition and honor they deserve. This Memorial will give them just that!! Thank you for following along with all of us on this adventure.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
September 22, 2010
Hi Everyone!
Here I am in Pinetop, Arizona visiting family. It is beautiful here. Yesterday my cousins Nikki and Claudia and I walked for three hours. I, of course, was pushing the wheelchair. We are in the mountains, so the elevation is about 7200 feet. That was a good walk. As we were walking, a gentleman stopped us and asked if we had lost someone due to the empty wheelchair. We were more than happy to explain about the Memorial and the reason for the walk. If it is one person at a time or a hundred at a time, the word is getting out!! Hopefully, the weather will be better tomorrow and I can walk again. Realizing that the walk is coming up soon, walking is a must. Please spread the word to family and friends about the walk and go to avdlm.org to see the virtual tour of the Memorial and the link to purchase the commemorative coin. Thanks for tuning in today. More later.
Here I am in Pinetop, Arizona visiting family. It is beautiful here. Yesterday my cousins Nikki and Claudia and I walked for three hours. I, of course, was pushing the wheelchair. We are in the mountains, so the elevation is about 7200 feet. That was a good walk. As we were walking, a gentleman stopped us and asked if we had lost someone due to the empty wheelchair. We were more than happy to explain about the Memorial and the reason for the walk. If it is one person at a time or a hundred at a time, the word is getting out!! Hopefully, the weather will be better tomorrow and I can walk again. Realizing that the walk is coming up soon, walking is a must. Please spread the word to family and friends about the walk and go to avdlm.org to see the virtual tour of the Memorial and the link to purchase the commemorative coin. Thanks for tuning in today. More later.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
September 18, 2010
What a day! Decided to walk this morning and got off to a good start. Put in 5 1/2 miles in two hours. Felt good. After a few errands and lunch, I started off again about two o'clock and walked another 5 1/2 miles. Not as long as I had wanted, but felt good even after that distance. I walked in the park close to my house and talked to three women also walking in the park. Since I am walking with Kenny's empty wheelchair, they asked if I had lost someone and, of course, I said, "Yes!" That gave me the opportunity to tell them about the walk and the Memorial. People are interested and want to know, so I am more than happy to tell them. We did not realize that the blog did not have the dates of the walk, so --- Starting from the Long Beach VA Hospital the morning of October 18 and arriving at the San Diego VA Hospital around noon on October 23. I am blessed to have my wonderful family and the most amazing group of friends helping me. I am trying not to get emotional, but those of you who know me, know that is impossible. My disabled veteran and all disabled veterans have been, and always will be, close to my heart. My little dog and I are leaving for Arizona Monday morning to visit family and friends for the week. My trainer, Devrick, has written detailed instructions for me to keep working out while I am gone. I will be posting while on my trip. Bye for now.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 16 First Entry
Hi Everyone!
Well, here it is, my first entry to the Walking For Those Who Can't blog. If you had told me a couple of months ago I would be doing this, I would have thought you were crazy. But, here we are!! It has been an emotional journey so far. Since Kenny's passing last year and the honor of filling his seat on the Board of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, I realized that very few people knew about the Memorial. After much thought and prayer, we as a family decided to embark on this journey together. I have been working out for about a month now and feel stronger than ever. The walk will be an opportunity to create awareness, not only of the Memorial, but of those millions of disabled veterans in the country. Many disabled veterans come home, go back to school or work, and live with their injuries unknown to others. Many more live each day with visual scars and injuries. It is my hope to let everyone of these disabled veterans know how important they are to us as a nation and that we will never forget their service to our country.
Thank you for following us along our journey. I will try to post as often and I can and let all of you know the progress of the amazing event. My love and thanks to my family for their encouragement and support. Off to walk. More later.
Well, here it is, my first entry to the Walking For Those Who Can't blog. If you had told me a couple of months ago I would be doing this, I would have thought you were crazy. But, here we are!! It has been an emotional journey so far. Since Kenny's passing last year and the honor of filling his seat on the Board of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, I realized that very few people knew about the Memorial. After much thought and prayer, we as a family decided to embark on this journey together. I have been working out for about a month now and feel stronger than ever. The walk will be an opportunity to create awareness, not only of the Memorial, but of those millions of disabled veterans in the country. Many disabled veterans come home, go back to school or work, and live with their injuries unknown to others. Many more live each day with visual scars and injuries. It is my hope to let everyone of these disabled veterans know how important they are to us as a nation and that we will never forget their service to our country.
Thank you for following us along our journey. I will try to post as often and I can and let all of you know the progress of the amazing event. My love and thanks to my family for their encouragement and support. Off to walk. More later.
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