9/25/2014
Hatch chili’s on sunburnt lips feel like needles being twisted into my skin. I can only imagine the stinging that Crystal felt when she touched her eyes after chopping them for our breakfast. She screamed that hot coals were burning her eyeballs. Even after we doused her face she stayed red for a good portion of the day. We ended up finding a single serve creamer for her to soak her hand. Everything calmed before the one thirty appointment at the Tucson Medical Center.
I walked into the brightly colored pediatric center. I’ve noticed that when I go into the children’s hospitals they always have soothing colors. Many pastels and many primary colors. This particular center also had a tree and a lending library. Can you guess where I read to the kids? Of course under the tree. The kids were in good spirits. A couple of them were shy but they were attentive. Suzanne Robles, and Matt Brody from the Westin came to provide support and the cameras from KGUN 9 filmed without being intrusive. When we finished the story, the kids were allowed to choose a free book. I was partly surprised when a couple of them chose the one I had just read but, then again, kids like repetition.
My tummy grumbled loudly as I loaded the support truck with the remaining books. We drove for a couple of blocks and decided to stop at Panera to eat. A tall gentleman I believe of Latin descent with salt and pepper hair, Mark Parilla, greeted us warmly. After telling him about our quest he took care of our lunch. While we are very pleased that people and companies support us, we never assume, expect, or take advantage of hospitality. If we are in need, we do ask. I had the best Mediterranean veggie sandwich with a cup of broccoli cheese soup. What was great was that he came to chat with us about what we were doing. He said he had heard about my first run across America. It was good to know that the work wasn’t futile.
The adventure continued when we decided to relax and enjoy the extra day of accommodations. Finally we cooled off and had some fun. We both zoomed down the slide of 127 feet. I of course enjoyed a couple of the Jacuzzis as well as the water fall massage. The mission has been the number one priority for so long I had begun to neglect myself. The Westin, it’s setting and atmosphere, and the people had a very healing effect on me. I slept well and I slept in.
I felt as if I were sleeping on a cloud or possible in superman’s fortress of solitude. Every limb was immobile from comfort. I didn’t hit the road on day 31 until 10:00 AM. It’s because I didn’t even wake up until 7:30. When my feet and body finally decided to sync up, the run passed quickly. I ran on a frontage road so counting the miles was fairly easy. I could just look at the signs along interstate ten. My feet ran past exit after exit. The next thing I knew I was in downtown. This area brought memories to me because I spent much time on the UofA campus as a child. One vivid memory was picking loquat fruits on the campus while my dad taught class. He was a chemistry professor there. Interestingly enough, that was my worst subject. Close by was a reptile rescue. I had Crystal meet me there and we enjoyed the company of many snakes, lizards and tortoises.
Our hotel awaited us not to far away. My new cell phone was waiting as well. When we reached the doubletree it was time for their world famous cookies. Adventure is good.
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