sad day

It was good to talk to Jed today. He is in Sebree tonight. Staying at a church hostel for cross country travelers. I think he will be able to get his shoes tonight or tomorrow morning. I'll be grateful for that. Don't feel much like writing tonight. Our dear little Maltese dog Lady died today in my husband's arms. She had a really bad heart from birth. We, of course knew that, and is the reason why we took her. We knew no one would want her with that defective heart. We wanted her. She became like a little child to us in our old age. The vet's prognosis of not living to see her first birthday was outdone, but she didn't quite make it to number 2. Our little granddaughters were planning a "burthday party" for her. They were going to spend the night and let her sleep in bed with them, and lavish her with kisses and pats on the head. She'd have loved it. Good bye little dog. We loved you so.

My thoughts travel to Jed again. Good night my son. May heaven's angels travel with you all your tomorrows.

hey there lonely boy

I would blah blah on, but Jed's caption for this photo he took of himself says it all.......the caption?

"She was lonely.....I was lonely.....what else can I say?"





Jed, you can always find a way to laugh, and to make us laugh too.

Woot!! Woot!!

Whew, Jed put up a post today. He has run his first thousand miles! I have to tell you, that is really hard to wrap my mind around. Even in the days when I was in great shape dancing, I know I would never have been able to do this much. A thousand miles. The post mentioned that he had merely another three thousand to go. My feet are hurting in sympathy. I want to find more ways to gather support for this run. I did get word today that the Kansas City Star wanted to do a story on him when he gets to Missouri. I have not been able to contact him to let him know they are interested. but I am excited about the possibilities this could have to spread the word. I can only hope that the more people who know about this, the more who may find it in their hearts to donate to the foundation who will be the benefactor of this incredible journey. If any of you read this post, and missed the link to the page to donate,.....please go to www.firstgiving.com/jedediahbrown . If you have a dollar, it would help. The year Jed was born, my father lost his battle with thyroid cancer. Jed never got to know him, and yet is so much like him in so many ways. The mountain man part of Jed is somehow my father living on. When my oldest brother was only six years old, he died of lukemia. Just a few short weeks before Jed began his run, a dearly loved uncle died of lung cancer. That same uncle's wife is fighting cancer right now, just two months after losing her beloved husband to the ravages of the disease. Jed has known a number of people he really cared about that fought and are still fighting this disease. He has done well, and in the words of the V Foundation, he NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVES UP. God Bless you for this Jed. I am more than proud of you. I have told you before, and I tell you again, you are my hero.

The Kentucky Hilton!

Well, here is the Bunny at his hotel room for the night....an abandoned farmhouse somewhere in rural Kentucky. I am looking at his shoes, hoping that the ones I ordered for him will indeed get there in time. Supposedly they are guaranteed for tomorrow. I believe they will be there. I know the ones he has on here are pretty shot, falling apart. They were good enough shoes, but the miles and constant soaking has shredded them. As someone who works on their feet, I want him to be well shod for this run. I pray they arrive on time. I was touched by a post today that Jed made. I have told you of the really discouraging things he has faced in his run, and of the good things also. The pit bulls, the harassing policemen and their dogs, but also of the kind and generous firemen in Virginia, the laughs he has had along the way. Today's post was another vote for the basic goodness and trust of still many in this harsh world. Jed posted that he came across a man named Francis Whitfield. Mr. Whitfield opened his wallet and gave Jed 20 dollars to support the charity Jed is running for. He never met Jed, hadn't a clue who he was, but gave him the money and said good luck and God bless. Later, he received another 20 from a Maggie Love. Same thing....they didn't know of Jed, just wanted to help. A little further on, Jed met a unicyclist along the trail. They HAD heard of each other, and the cyclist carried Jed's pack for a few miles so Jed could run awhile without it. If you've ever carried a weight for a time, you can appreciate how much that meant. Jed is right....he will see both the good and the bad that is America. I thank God that today, concidentally the Sabbath, Jed found the good that is still everywhere in her. To all you that have lent a hand, shared a smile, a meal, an encouraging word, and to all those who have sacrificed a few dollars or many dollars, I thank you. If evil prevails when good men do nothing,...... then good prevails when we, as a nation, as a friend or just a stranger do something good. It matters not the size of our deed, it just matters that we do. Mr. Whitfield, Ms. Maggie Love, firefighters, cyclists.....all of you out there....God Bless You and keep you for your generousity.

catch up!!!

Hm-m-m, It's been a few days since I have updated things. This photo is one Jed posted along the trip. He said he was racing lawnmowers. He called the other day. It's always such a relief to hear his voice. I try to discern how he is feeling by the sound of his voice. I could always tell when he was little, but now that he is this man I sometimes wonder if I can tell anymore. I was thinking he seemed strained, but doggone it, he absolutely never loses his sense of humor. I think he could smile and crack a joke, no matter how bad things were, so it's a little harder to tell how he really is than for most people. He never really complains. I found out later when I was talking to him, that he was running in basically shredded shoes. He didn't really say, but I imagine the constant wetness along with the hundreds of miles, really took a toll on the shoes. As was typical, he planned to take care of things himself by ordering a pair online from a local library using his debit card no doubt. The shoes were to be sent to a general delivery PO he had chosen along the way that holds packages for people traveling along the TransAmerica. The money was paid, the extra shipping charges paid, to insure they would arrive prior to Jed's arrival in the town. I'm sure you can imagine what did happen....no shoes. He waited around a couple days for the critical shipment which never arrived. He finally called to see if I could order him a pair online, and have them express shipped to yet another town about three days away. Oh no, I wasn't going to stiff him with no shoes. My husband drove over to where I work, met me there just as soon as I clocked out, and we drove to Dick's Sporting store in the Zona Rosa center near here, and I bought the model and size he needed and shipped them myself. I did not trust sending them from Excelsior Springs. They botch up our mail all the time. Couldn't take that chance. Roger and I got up early the next morning, and drove to Kearney to mail them from that Post Office.

The minute I walked in the door, the girl saw the box and said "How's Bunny doing?"

That brought a smile to my face. She's never even met him, but knows him and follows his adventures and trails like a devoted fan. I took her some fliers that I had made, she's so sweet. She was going to put them up in the break room, and try to spread the word.

There are so many good people in this world. Wish more people focused on them instead of all the negative things we hear in this world. Well, I have a plug for some of those people........JED YOU ARE AWESOME!!! EMPLOYEES OF THE KEARNEY MISSOURI POST OFFICE, AND ALL THE FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS OF THIS CAUSE, YOU ARE AWESOME TOO!!! I SALUTE YOU.