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Sunday, October 1, 2006
Leaving the shelter I met one of the day hikers I met earlier. She said I was her hero. Normally I would have done something stupid. I would have done that because I didn’t think of myself as good enough and I would eventually let them down, but instead I just said thanks and plan on continuing doing the best I can. I have been humbled by seeing God when I look into the eyes of a little boy who asks when will my Daddy be home; when I look into those eyes of a wife who says I don’t know what to do with my husband; of a sister who says her brother is home but he’s not the same; of a soldier just home asking, is he going to Hell; of a veteran with PTSD that salutes me; of a father whose son committed suicide; of a woman that calls me her hero. May I be able to show them God when they look into my eyes and let them know someone cares, someone is doing something.
Made it to a lodge, did laundry, and slept in a cabin with a potbelly stove. I made it like a sauna inside so I could dry my gear as well as stop a cold or whatever I have creeping up on me.
My speed hasn’t picked up much because the ground cover is like concrete blend (fine if you have shoes). I did 13.2 miles in 9 hours.
Monday, October 2, 2006
Had breakfast of 6 raw eggs with a pint of milk. For lunch I had another 6 eggs with milk and ovaltine and shared a protein bar with a chipmunk. Got queasy and had the runs; what could have caused that? Met some day hikers and asked them to write.
Websites to check out: Iraq Veterans Against the War, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, also
The Sanctuary.
Did 19+ miles, saw lots of deer, and am tired and literally drained.
Being ignorant and naïve to the ways of our government I realized after the hearing there are many departments that work independently of one another. Like the Veterans Administration working for the vets and the Department of Defense working to protect the country. I think the DOD has become so specialized and focused on one thing that it misses the whole picture. Similar to a doctor that just deals with cancer who will rid the patient of cancer but will kill him to do so: just like the DOD who will win our battles but destroy our country in the process by not making sure the soldiers’ mental health is secured.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Met a few day hikers; told them my story and asked them to write. He said, “I can see by your face you have taken on a heavy burden”. I said the heavier burden would be to do nothing. He said, “What can I do for you?” I said for me you could buy a homeless person a sandwich. You have a 50-50 chance he is a vet; listen to him. He had a life once, a family, and dreams. Something happened to break his spirit. Was he carrying secrets he felt he couldn’t share, a shame, a guilt that finally broke him? A spirit can be mended; it’s easier to keep it from breaking if taken care of soon enough.
Another thing that bugs me is what I perceive as hypocrisy that when I was in business, by law I was liable for my employees and costumers, and would have to make restitution if they hurt themselves, sometimes even if they were negligent. That is unless I spent the money on lawyers that I wouldn’t get back and may lose on the whim of a judge. Now here is our government who makes us do this while they themselves can put our children in harm’s way, send them home damaged physically and emotionally and expect to not be held liable. Then they wonder why people don’t trust them?
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Another nice night in the woods. Had a little camp fire, cooked hot dogs, stared at the full moon (full enough for me)/ Got up and met a few day hikers. Almost ran into a bear. A little cub ran across about 10 feet in front of me, didn’t see his mom, and wasn’t going to wait for her.
Met two hikers: one was a vet who asked to pray for me. I said OK. There was no judgment, no lecture, just a prayer of blessing. That was fine; it’s when people try to lecture or question my life on what I feel is a personal thing. If the religious of the world really knew God like they say or lead one to believe they do, how could there even be a war? When you know, why would there be a reason to defend the truth or that which is so? I think when I am not sure I work hard to defend my position and win others over because the more that believe me make it true (one of us could be wrong, but not if everyone believes. We can’t all be crazy, can we?).
Did 17 miles today and two 20’s before today. Got to Afton Inn (outside of Waynesboro, VA), took off my gear, and noticed both my thighs were numb. Also, I lost more weight. I am concerned and feel weak.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Got up and my legs are still numb. I called to see a chiropractor and have decided to scale back the mileage. I realized that I am no good if I end up in the hospital. We will see what happens. Am taking a zero to give it a chance.
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