With almost being at the half way point in my trek across the United States I have come to realize a few things about myself about the people in my life and about the events of my life. The effort both emotionally and physically that it has taken to just get this far has been beyond what I ever imagined. Many people have taken this journey not all have taken it the way that I have and to be fully honest I would not trade my way for theirs at all. This has not been a vacation, this has been a journey of the soul of the country and of the people along the way. It is said nothing great ever comes from a comfort zone and well I believe that more today then at any point and time in my life.
Early in the week I had a moment of growth and clarity that I could of only dreamt to have been able to have on this trip. It came from the most unlikely of places and well a most painful place as well. It seems that not all people that are following my trip are doing so to enjoy the adventure, to see the country or to see me grow as a person. No instead they are following it to well tear me down, ridicule me or to well make their own pathetic lives have some form of meaning. Sadly they dont even realize that where their at I was once at myself. I have moved beyond that person and it was in large part due to their actions this past week that gave me that push. So with that being said I want to thank them and I want them to know you didnt do a damn thing to me other then make me actually one of the happiest people on earth so really thank you and I hope your own journey leads to being free from your own self pain and doubt. and well that is all I will say about those people again.
For the first time in my life really I am proud, Proud of the things I have seen the people I have met and the things I have over come. I have also come to realize that with out my failures I could not appreciate my accomplishments. I have failed at every aspect at one point and time and well they are part of me as well. In being able to see things for what they are though I also see that well I am not alone in being at fault. I can also clearly see the roles others play and see just what their purposes are for their actions.....and well i cant be so easily faulted and guilted for their own short comings any longer I will not take the brunt of their own mistakes as mine , if they can not own their part that is on them. With that being said I did not do everything with regard to this situation perfect.....I still have much work to do,,,,I questioned friends who didnt realize they had been party to a joke about me till after the fact and instead of accepting their friendship I questioned it, I wont do that again.....it is an area I still need to work on and in time I think that will come at least I hope it does. To the people I questioned I am sorry really sorry.
So with that being part of the week here are some other parts of the week. I came into Texas through a little town called Deweyville. It was recently flooded and much like in Baton Rouge I pitched in. A church in town put me up for the night fed me and for their help I gave back. It was the First Baptist Church of Deweyville.
Upon my arrival I was greeted by a really nice group of the youth ministers. We ate some food I got setteled and then we listened to old 80s music and painted the youth hall. I found out about them from the Youth ministers problem with addictions to how when he made a choice to be saved how his life had changed this young man was a walking testimony and his wife a wonderful woman who adores children and the lord. Another young lady at the age of 19 gives back in so many ways not only through studying to become a teacher but with church she was a delight to meet. Another couple had great questions about the physical aspects of my trip since they both are into running and sports so it was good to answer their questions.
The ministers wife must have caught something in my story that prompted this question and I must say that I am sorry but I dont recall her name. But she has been the first to ask me this question and she was very a matter of fact about it. She simply asked I hear why physically how improtant this trip is but what do you want toget out of this for you what demons are you laying to rest. It was intensly gratifying to be asked this and well I loved answering it....openly and without shame. very freeing to be so open. and well that is all Iam going tosay about this for now.
I left the next morning and headed to my next stop with well a little bump in my step and a little more free.
Btw the flooding of the town may make it disappear from themap most have not returned but no matter what I saw the same as what i saw in baton rouge people not willing to give up. Keep that in mind when faced with a challenge.
My most recent stop is in a rv park her in Silbee texas. And man what a fun stop this has been. The weather has parked me in this town for a day riding on these roads in the rain is dangerous and so I stayed put. But last night was worth the trip alone. Right next to the RV park is a real honest to goodness Honky Tonk. I went there for a burger and came out with the memory of a lifetime.
The cook not only made me the most incredible burger but turns out she is from Maryland. Out by deep creek and let me tell you we had a great talk. We shared some receipes and really enjoyed each others company.....her grand son worked with her and he was as polite as polite can be. On my way out I stopped to talk to a few cowboys and yes they were real cowboys it happens in this area. Well when they learned about my trip they wouldnt let me leave.
The bands were just starting and introduced me to everyone. One of them Earnest let me wear his cowboy hat for the night and his wife taught me how to two step Texas style. Now I can dance so it wasnt difficult to pick up but once I got it I was passed around from woman to woman seems they all wanted to dance with the Yankee. Even during the intermission when more modern dance music was being played I was pulled out to show them all how to move it made for a rather magical night. i think i pissed a few of the younger guys off though since i seemed to be the main attraction but out of respect for the people I was with they just sucked it up.....The entire group of us about 15 in total had just a great time the only thing that would of made my first honky tonk experience better would of been a mechanical bull....lol.
I have to say for each trial there is a reward I can either stew in the pain or revel in the good....I dont know what will come with tomorrow but I will take everything that has come and if it all ended today I would be just fine. I have nothing left to prove and only me to gain....coming up on the halfway point in my trip shows me but just one thing I sill have far to travel in every aspect but like I said if ended today I would be ok.....that is a quote from earnest.....that and boy why are you tired Iam 70 and even I will not rest till I am dead so go dance.
