Child's Play

Yesterday was my last day in Buffalo. I had a great time, gambled at the Seneca Casino and lost (but I did finally learn how to play craps so it’s almost like I paid for lessons) I also got to see Niagara Falls which was extremely beautiful. Katie and I even tried to imagine the thoughts of the first Native American who was in his canoe paddling hard and came up on the Falls, that must have been one of the most shocking “OH $HIT$” of all time. I never knew that the Falls were made naturally. For some reason I had always thought they were a man made dam. Everyday seems to be a new learning experience. It’s strange; it’s like being a new born. Every place, experience, and person seems different new like I’m seeing them for the first time. Even Katie who I’ve known forever, at least 3 years, and in this short period of time I have seen a new and exciting side of her I never knew existed (thanks Katie for the place to stay by the way). With week one coming to a close I am so excited for what lay ahead.

For most of us we find comfort in knowing that we can always go home. My family before I left told me “If you find it’s not what you thought it would be out by yourself…you can always come home early.” That security is nice and I think a part of me has enjoyed being back in NY for these past few days because NY even though six hours away from home is still home. I know in my heart that I’m not coming home before completing the trip. I’ve come this far and it has always been my dream to see these places up close and personal. Still today, in a few hours actually, from my stand point the trip really begins. I have been to five different states in these seven days but tomorrow when I head to Ohio it’s real. I won’t be back in NY for months. These dreams I’ve had, that urge to see what’s beyond my back yard is being realized. Henry David Thoreau I think understands how I feel best when he says

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”

(Not me when I was a little kid, but my younger brother was one of the greatest kids ever)

We fill life with stupid reasons so we don’t feel bad about not doing what we want in life. It’s not the right time, I’m too young to old, and things are stable now. Throw caution to the wind, the dreams we had when we were five years old are still here inside us. We don’t want to listen to them at times but then you were your purest. You weren’t confused with money, because three bucks could buy the world. Your future was only a concern when you knew that you were going to the water park at the end of the week, or couldn’t sleep the night before Christmas. And your troubles consisted of what Footie PJ’s to wear, and making sure you didn’t miss the bus (even though it was so much cooler when mom drove you). This part of us is still there, struggling to stay afloat. Listen. Hear what you have to say. My inner child is smiling I’m sure of it. Last Sunday was the first step, this morning, the biggest. I’ll see you in Ohio.

One Mile at a Time.