I had an awesome week. I saw all my kids and grandchildren. I also had fun riding my little pink scooter around town and visiting with friends at the farmer’s market and sidewalk sales.
Small town America is the best.
I also went to visit my son and daughter-in-law at their farm. What a treat. I had a chance to see what corn stalks look like after deer enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I learned how corn silk reveals the health of each plant.
Life is good.
As a bonus, as I was driving between Lindon and Last Chance, I passed a person walking on the shoulder of the road. He had a red flag flying from his backpack, was wearing a wide brimmed hat and using walking sticks. A mile down the road, I thought, “I’ve got to stop, get a picture, and hear his story.” So, I turned the car around and went back.
As I walked across the highway, he stopped, held out his hand, and said, “Hi, I’m Ben.” In response to my curiosity, he said he was walking from San Francisco to Rhode Island. He had cancer two years ago and decided to get his mind straight by seeing the real beauty of America, one step at a time. He walks approximately twenty miles a day, and when he gets to a stopping spot, he asks local people if they would mind if he pitches his tent in their yard.
He spoke of the kindness of individuals, and the joy of being aware of the broad terrain as well as the small details along the side of the roads. He said, as he pointed to a tiny yellow daisy, “Just imagine, I am the only person who gets to see that wild flower just as it is right this very minute.”
Ben had a sparkle in his eyes and a gentle, genuine gratitude for what his journey was providing. The sign, hanging from the bottom of his backpack, read, “IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START DREAMING AGAIN.”
You can follow him on https://www.facebook.com/myownmomentum/
Ben inspired me. He took a painful life event, cancer, and put action behind his desire to be healthy and happy. Ben dusted off the sad and uncontrollable aspects of cancer and exchanged them for new experiences. He found faith in himself, trusted humanity, and he gave it his all. The peace on his face spoke to it’s worth.
How can you and I put action behind our dreams?
Until the next time: Live while you live!
Jennifer, I loved reading your comments about Ben! Just yesterday evening I read on Facebook a post by a lady who lives NW of Last Chance and she spoke about her interaction with Ben and with her family as he traveled from Bennett where she first met him when she went shopping at King Soopers to then later when he was nearby the family farm home . If i can locate that posting I will share with you! However, you were so close to me as you passed down Hwy 36. I’m saddened… How exciting to know of your visits with your family members! May the summer continue to be exciting for you folks!
What an awesome story Jennifer. One, to overcome cancer and then two, to travel by foot across from San Francisco to Rhode Island. I pray he makes it with health intact for many, many years. At our age we see so much sadness in sickness and not necessarily with just the older community and it’s just so sad to see and to think of how they are all dealing with it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful meeting.
Geri, thanks for the follow, and yes, it is inspiring to see another way of dealing with adversity; to replace sadness and illness with forward thinking and hopefulness makes me a happy girl:)))
Awesome story!!!
Hi – he was awesome and inspiring…we never know who will come in our paths if we take the time to stop and turn around:))
This story reminds me of Terry Fox, a young Canadian man who lost a leg to melanoma. He was an athlete and ran across Canada to raise funds for cancer treatments and cure. He did not survive long after his successful run but it gave his life purpose and he remains an admired national hero who still inspires others.
I agree that a sense of fulfillment and joy comes from putting dreams into plans and putting plans into action.
I am also enjoying a summer with family. Last week, my 8 year old grandson had a sleepover and we made a personal totem pole out of Paperclay for him. I am taking a Paperclay sculpture class. A dream-plan-do for me!
How fun Linda Lee! Yes, I love stories about people who put action in front of a challenge. I try to do the same, but I fear I fail at times. I leave this coming Wed. to take my 13 year old grandson to Boston…Harvard – MIT – Red Sox game – 12.5 mile bike tour – Sports museum – Gorilla boat ride….wish me luck and send me energy for the 12.5 peddle adventure:))