We got up early and neither of us were very excited about walking. We are in such a cozy place that it is hard to leave to go walk a million miles. We did anyways though.
We drove to Calais and went to our spot where we left off last. We unloaded our carts and started walking. It was a slow and sluggish start but we still got those miles in.
About 5 miles into the day, a car pulled over and a man and his wife got out. He asked where we started. When I said “Key West” he said, “WOW!”
It was funny. They were both so nice and amazed at what we were doing. We all enjoyed their reactions. Moe and Gilda. Awesome people!
We made it to a gas station a few miles up and stopped there for a break. As soon as I walked in I saw Moe standing there and he said that he was buying us all breakfast at the restaurant connected to the gas station. Amazing.
We all ate a great meal and got fueled up. It helped us so much. They had a young girl with them, granddaughter maybe… She was celebrating her 18th birthday with them. It was so powerful to me that she got to witness a respectable member of her family do something kind for total strangers. I like to think that it will rub off on her and someone else will benefit from an act of kindness from her because she was taught by example.
We got back out and hit the pavement. It was hot. People stopped and waved and honked all day. We were in the local paper and we could tell that they recognized us from the article. One woman pulled over and got out to talk to us.
She had lost her son to alcohol and wanted to donate to our cause and show her support. I asked her what her son’s name is. Matt is forever 33 years old. That’s all she could get out before breaking down and going back to her car and driving off. I wanted to let her know that it was a safe place to cry and hug her but it was a very intense moment for her. I felt bad that we brought it up but at the same time I am so glad that she got to speak Matt’s name. I had a heavy heart for a few miles after that one for sure. We all did.
We stopped under a shade tree and took a break. Our conversation had tears included. It was a powerful one, especially for Jessie. She is a freaking bad ass. This isn’t easy at all and she can’t get enough. She is fighting her fears and pains because she knows that it is helping her. We could all learn a thing or two from her. I’m glad she is learning from herself along the way. It’s amazing.
We blasted out the last few miles just so we could be done. We were able to get a ride back to our car and then drove our car back to the cabin we’ve been staying in. Great company awaited. Another great night!
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