Day 101
So I took today off. I was in a bad place. I was questioning myself and wondering if and how I was going to finish this thing. The day off proved to be very helpful.
I spent all morning working online and getting some stuff done on my blog and my website. I also ordered some more business cards as I ran out. My friend Kas messaged me and let me know that she had arranged for me to have a massage at 2 pm today.
I got ready for that and then took Uber to get there. Oh em gee!!! Best massage ever! If you’re in Kansas City you MUST go to her. Www.moonstonemassagekc.com Ask for Danette.
A lot of my anxieties went away during that session. I was able to truly relax and get some kinks worked out. I came back to the hotel to one of the most powerful moments that I’ve had on my entire trip yet.
Nikki had reached out to me yesterday saying that a friend of hers saw me on the news and told her about me. Nikki had just lost her sister, Brittany, to an overdose in April. We both lost our Brittanys. We arranged to meet up because how could you not!?
She was there with her husband and her adorable 17 month old daughter. We got through the awkward introductions pretty quickly and were pouring out our deepest pains to each other within a few minutes. I could tell that she really needed this and I knew that I really needed it too. I always hate to meet another person that knows my same pain but it helps so much to be able to relate to someone. One of those bittersweet kind of things…
She reminded me of why I’m doing this and I found the motivation that I needed to find. When she left I cried a little and felt like I was ready to run across Kansas in the blazing heat. I didn’t care what it took. This is exactly what I needed.
The rest of the night went well too. I called a few friends and family to talk about meeting Nikki and that I felt better. I’m going to take one more day off tomorrow.
Once I was in my better mood I was going through my comments and messages and was very appreciative of all of the love and support you all have given me along the way. This walk isn’t exactly easy but I know that I will make it. And many people will know just a little bit more about the drug epidemic because of it. Someone may even be saved because of it. That’s why I will finish.
Hey Brett and Domino—It has to be tough out in the blazing heat. I admire your determination to finish; you are a true soldier. Your journey is making a difference. I will continue to follow your blog and have safe travels.—Ron
Beautifully said, baby. Words can’t describe how proud I am of who you are and what you’re doing. This family has experienced the worst pain possible, but together we’ll make it. I love you so much.
I know it gets tough but I also know that you can do this!!! Hang in there — You have so many people behind you –
Chris
You have to give yourself credit, you have completed 100 days of your walk. Met a lot of nice people, saw a lot of our great country. That right there is a wonderful time. Not to many people have accomplished that.
It took me 8 years to do my walk and i still haven’t completed all of it. I live here in WV, near the North Bend Rail Trail which is 72 miles from clarksburg to Parkersburg, WV
I do hope to finish sometime in the next couple of years after my aortic valve surgery.
You are doing great keep up the walk and be safe and sound.
Tell Domino i said HI.
Brett today I was with my teen son and we drove by you. Your mission sparked a great conversation for us. We spoke about drug use and how it impacts the whole family…not just the user. My son, now 17, got to hear the true story of how I lost my brother. My bother was a drug addict and when he died I held the truth from my then 7 year old son. You brought tears to my eyes as you have the strength of your love of your sister to carry you through this journey and make a difference in others lives. I am thankful we saw you today! The conversation that my son and I had was long over due, and he was able to open up about the pressures of high school to use. He was amazed by your dedication too.
Good luck in your journey! You bring goodness.
That made me cry in a good way! Wow. I’m so happy that I was able to get that conversation started. Let it be an icebreaker into the conversation for future use. Start with, “remember that guy walking for his sister” … thanks for sharing that. Made my day!! 🙂