Sunday, July 21, 2002

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Our final day.  We depart Suffolk on our way to the finish line, having traveled over 3,400 miles since we departed Newport Beach, California a little over six weeks ago, on June 8th, 2002.  We are joined by family and friends for the final ride.

Even Animal is somewhat subdued now that the end is near.  "Hey Joe.  So tell me, why is it that we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?  That makes no sense to me."

Joe, with his usual saint-like patience, just smiles, knowing the end is near.  "I don't know Animal.  Why don't you ask Hunter Pearson? Oh and by the way, do you know why they call him Hunter???  Because he hunts.  Do you know what he hunts???   Animals, Animal.  So now you know what I mean when I say that I might see you for dinner."

Animal, with a whimper seeks out John. 

Our ride takes us through the countryside between Wakefield, Virginia and the ferry at Surry.

We pass horses.

As we travel a country lane...

Animal is working the cellular phone with his agent.  "Hey, man.  I don't want to be on permanent display at the Smithsonian.  How about movie rights?  What kind of a contract are we talking about?  Well, you find out and get back to me.  I don't want to put up with the likes of John and his crew for much longer."

We pass through fields of corn and peanuts.

And finally, pass through shaded forests and arrive at the James River.

We are beginning to feel like the colonists at Jamestown as we embark on a ship.

Another gathering of the clan while enroute across the waters of the James River.

A short ride up the highway and we finally arrive at Jamestown...

 Having traveled over 3,500 miles over a period of 44 days, we stopped at 15 Healthsouth rehabilitation hospitals and visited over 1,200 amputees in 12 different states. 

Epilogue

Now that this journey that we have taken is over, we all are feeling pangs of regret that the trip has finally ended.  As with all significant events in our lives, this experience has left its mark.  The days on the road, the whirlwind tours to one rehab facility after another, the incessant signing of posters and booklets, the honking of horns and gestures of support, the countless smiles and thumbs up for amputees, all have blended into a blur in our minds.  Yet, the greatest experience of all was to meet other amputees. The time we spent with them may have been fleeting, but the strength and resiliency of each and every one has left an indelible imprint on ours.  And to my travel-mates, John and Jerry... each has brought a unique talent in fulfilling the tasks that we have faced.  It was this unique blend of personality that has enabled us to do what we do so well.  To our support crew, thanks for the many hours and the commitment to our journey.  Thanks to our families, who have selflessly loaned us to this undertaking and put up with our absence.  To our sponsors, Ohio Willow Wood and Healthsouth, and to each of the amputee support groups along the way, thank you for your generous support.  We could not have done this without you. 

On a more personal note, now that Animal has gone on to greater things, there is a little piece of my heart that misses the little guy.  He may have been aggravating and, at times, downright irritating, but he certainly is fun to be around.  So, as I look down that empty road, maybe there will be a day when Animal and I can, once again, be traveling a path together. 

So much of what we do is a reflection of who we are.  The journey that we took over the past 44 days, in so many ways, is just the beginning.  Amputees Across America is an idea that we hope continues to define who we are, and what we do, as amputees.

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