7/26/2011
How did I reach this point? Actions speak louder than words right? My message should resonate loud and clear. It applies to elders just as much as it does to children. From where I stand, I will say it one more time. We reach our goals by taking one small step at a time.
We often overlook the small things in life. We take for granted the simple. It’s easy to be blinded by the flashing lights and the grand spectacles. But, it is the tiny things that make the grand and majestic possible. What is a mountain if not a collection of dirt and rocks? What is an ocean without its first droplet? Can you have a rock concert without the technicians and roadies? Without a doubt there is no run across America without the first step. 
I wanted to keep the steps light and easy today. (Wow, I know it’s time to decompress when I think of 17 miles as light and easy) I had a late start yet again but it was fine. The sky was overcast and the heat was non-existent. It seemed like a relief from the scorchers of the past few days.
I took my sweet time running to the George Washington bridge. As I crossed my final state line, I stopped to stare out at the New York skyline. The signs around me read no loitering on bridge while others provided phone numbers to call if one feels suicidal. I also found the welcome to New York sign. It was small and it hung on a post at an angle for the cars driving into New York. With its obscure position, I had to risk life and limb to acquire my last state line photo. Even with the self photograph skills I had acquired over the past few months, it was not an easy task. But I got it.
The moment I stepped foot on New York it began to rain. Did the universe want to rain on my parade or did it want to keep me cool for my run through the city. I decided not to think about it and just run. As I did so, the rain began to fall harder. The temperature continued to drop. The ground felt slippery at times but the run was fantastic. I felt like the rain was washing me clean. As I ripped through the city my surroundings became irrelevant. Even though I zig zagged through the city, my legs carried me to Washington Square Park. I think of it as being in the heart of NYU. Eighteen years ago, my journey into adulthood began at that very spot. That is half of my life to date. Washington Square Park will forever hold a special place in my heart. Funny how when we are at the end of something the beginning becomes more sentimental. Everything has a cycle.
I spent the next couple hours searching for a hotel. Everything in New York is expensive. I had conveniently blocked that part out of my memory. I found something run down and cheap despite it all. I thought to myself this isn’t exactly the way I envisioned ending but in a way, I’m lucky. It forced me to remember what is really important. I remembered my mission. I remembered the people. So, today I want to dedicate this post to all my guardian angels that have helped carry me across our country. You hoisted me on your shoulders and kept me strong. You have fed me, sheltered me, and mended my aches. Thank you to the cowboys and Indians (red dot and feathered), to the housewives and working husbands, to the teachers and the students (we are always both at the same time), to the runners which have taken steps with me, and to the pastors who have prayed with me and for me. My prayers have been heard. I want to thank Nick, Ana, JC. Your contributions can not even be measured. A chain is truly as strong as its weakest link. I want to thank Nancy, Dave, and Howard for your efforts. To the Millers for always making me smile. I want to thank the mayors, reporters, and shop owners that took the time to help usher along this dream. They were important in keeping this flame lit during some harsh conditions. Thanks Natalia for listening to me. Having someone to talk to when you’re in the middle of nowhere sure does help. For my dear son Troy, I hope this has shown you the strength of the human heart. I’m coming home to spend time with you buddy. For my dad and all dads out there, a son listens. For all the mothers out there who love their children unconditionally, I’m always amazed by your love. It is a divine love unlike any other. Of course mama, you are the strongest person I know. Perhaps I am stubborn because I’m like you. Perhaps I don’t allow myself to fail because of you. Perhaps I know how to pick myself up after I’ve fallen because of you. We might have had disagreements on the direction but we’ve always been clear on the destination. Family is important. We must never take them for granted. Thank you everyone, you aren’t just my guardian angels. You are my family. I am here because of you!
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