6/1/2011
One day can take you from the fantastic to the dreary back to the fantastic. I couldn’t even begin to make up the scenarios that happen to me on a daily basis. This morning seemed like it was going to be one of the more standard cut and dry days. The weather was perfect and a long bikeway was before my feet. I left the Super 8 hotel of Collinsville with plenty of sleep and fresh feet. The next destination was thirty miles away.
My legs were on autopilot and I was at cruising speed. The greenery was beautiful. The land was flat. And I came across many friendly animals. I made short work of the first ten miles. I found myself standing in Edwardsville thinking I should eat something. The only problem was I hadn’t developed an appetite yet. I settled on having a sandwich. Later I would be very thankful I made myself eat.
I took an extra few minutes before starting again because I didn’t want to reach Staunton too early. Little did I know, I would not be reaching Staunton on this particular day. Four miles later my stroller began to pull me to the left. Repeatedly I tried to steer the contraption straight. Finally I looked down and saw a flat tire. “No problem!” I thought to myself. I had a can of fix a flat and a handpump. (plus the wheel has a quick release button). One hour later, that “no problem” had become a problem. Not wanting to acquire anymore backwards mileage, I decided on pushing forward. I assumed the next town would have a place to patch the tire. Of life’s many lessons, I should have remembered the one about assuming things. I wandered from service station to tire shop without a sliver of hope of finding what I needed. Then, that voice started speaking. It was the same one that told me to go on this trip. It now told me to take one step at a time. Like I haven’t heard that one on this trip already. But, it made sense. So I plowed on.
After ten or so miles of pushing, I arrived in the town of Worden. It is a beautiful and clean small town. I came across their park which I found out used to be where they produced coal. It was empty and clean and it had electrical outlets. I thought it best to hang out and charge my phone. The sun was still hours away from setting. The more I relaxed the more I didn’t want to move. When the dark was just about to fall, I decided to try my luck at camping out again. This time there was no way for me to get locked in. As I was erecting the tent in a secluded area, the mosquitoes decided it was dinner time. They tore right through layers of clothing to suck my blood. The tent went up in minutes.
As I was about to get into the tent, I saw a car pull into the park. I wondered if I was about to get kicked out. A gentleman walked over to my tent and I quickly introduced myself and explained my predicament. Frank Dickerson turned out to be the mayor of Worden (or village president). He was a kind man which had just stopped by to make sure the lights were turned off. His wife Jill and his kids Emily and Joseph were waiting in the car. Joseph had just finished a baseball game. Emily and Joseph were the perfect ages for my book so I offered them a signed copy.
Frank was brimming with small town hospitality and he really felt bad for my situation. He offered to take me to a hotel or a store if I needed. He called Walmart twenty miles back and asked them if they had any tubes for my stroller. As luck would have it they did. He told me to sit tight while he dropped his family off and he would take me to the Walmart. He ended up driving me there then proceeded to donate the tube and two spares to Papa Didos. Afterwards he even helped me replace the tube. Once again it feels like the universe is conspiring to fully realize this dream.
I’m surprised everyday by the kindness and generosity of the people who’s paths I cross. I’m so greatful for the genuine friends I have met on my way to destiny. If you ever feel like you are losing faith in humanity a trip such as mine will help you restore it. There is magic in the air.
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