Today was a great day. Still didn’t get a ton of sleep and woke up early, but wide awake and refreshed. And ravenous. Had a little bit of drama over cheerios and cookies with the hotel staff but came out unscathed in a great mood, ready for the day. We headed out on foot from Elkridge to the Kids Trek where I was surprised by my mom and aunt! It was great to have them there, sharing this experience with us. At the end of the trek Ari’s Bears was there with bears to stuff for all the participants; kids, parents, and the entire trek team and support staff. It meant a lot to be able to share Ari’s Bears and more importantly Ariella with the team. The most special moment was also the most unexpected. We FaceTimed with the kid of the day and learned she had actually received an Ari’s Bear from Ariella herself. I’m convinced that things like this just don’t happen, there are no coincidences, and though wrought with emotion, it was such a special moment.
Following the Kids Trek we walked along the B&A trail for a couple miles, for the transition to the bike. There were about 11 miles left on the trail for the bike ride and I really just wanted to run. I was itching to just open up, take off, and fly. I could feel it in my entire body (either that or the slice of pizza and half a chicken sandwich I had just eaten). It takes some time to transition to the bikes so while I knew I wouldn’t be able to run the whole cycling distance, I figured I could get several miles in. I was going back and forth with David and some others, trying to figure out the logistics, when I was pretty much ordered to RUN!!!!!!, so run I did. And it was so great. Away from the cacophony (#word of the day) of the street on the trail I was able to run freely, with both joy and sorrow. I ran just about 6 miles and it was just what I needed (thank you Sharon for yelling in my ear and picking me up). When I was finished my run I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and ready for the next leg. We headed on foot into Annapolis where we got on a nice but not ostentatious (#word of the day) boat for a ride across the bay. Hard to believe that just a few days ago we were in the mountatins, and now we made it to the Eastern Shore. The day ended on Kent Island with a beautiful sunset, fitting for the day.
The miracle of the day was the weather. The forecast was not looking promising but we could not have asked for a better day. It began overcast with a breeze and while it rained during the kids trek, it didn’t last for long and it felt good. When we made it into Annapolis the sun was coming out, making for a beautiful boat ride. Another short storm on the eastern shore caused just a minor delay, and led into a beautiful evening on the water.
When planning and anticipating this trek I could not imagine that I would have felt so good after so many days. But I do. I feel good, I feel strong, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Alli can say AMAZING!
As I took part in the day I watched. It is all so much bigger than it was and yet the impact is the same. Some doing things to help folks they do not know. This day started I had NO CLUE I had met you or your daughter. Yet, I recall it from 5 years ago. Even then I was taking it in from the team doing a thing to support kids and families because it means so much more than ones self. From the end of the Kids Trek Too and the Facetime to watching you run when they all tried to get bikes sorted. Take this for what it is meant to be. You are inspiring. I struggled from the end of the Kids Trek Too until the end. While the team was amazing in the support, your drive was as well and seeing how far you ran before the bikes caught up. No words will do it Justice. Everyone on this team was amazing! You are an inspiration, as is the legacy of your daughter. I got to witness it first hand and I am better for it. Thank you for your support though Day 5! While I still think your crazy for running, 😉 I am a bit jealous, I no longer can in the way I use to. I am more blessed to have been part of this day than I ever would have guessed! Thank you!!!!
Thank you Todd. It was great to have met you. I do not believe it is a coincidence that you were on the trek with Ariella and on the trek with us.