Giving thanks

This is likely the last post I’ll make here from the comfort of my office and the spaciousness of my laptop keyboard. From here on out it will be mobile posts from my phone. I’ve got a few last minute home and hiking prep tasks to take care of today and then heading south tomorrow for a few days of rest with my kids before I start northbound.

I wanted to use this post to give a quick thanks to everyone that made it possible for me to attempt this through hike. I am deeply aware that what I am doing here is a pretty “selfish” thing – taking 6 months just for me, leaving behind my work and household responsibilities. Not that selfish things are inherently bad – self care might be considered selfish by some, but it’s also absolutely necessary. And although some (many?) might call me crazy, this hike is a form of self care.

Hopefully I can make it through all of these before they try to play me off stage (h/t Oscars):

• I’d like to thank all of my work colleagues who are picking up the slack while I am out. I did all I could to make sure that you won’t miss me, but I know there will be little things along the way that could have been easier on you if I were around. Thanks for covering for me – I promise I’ll make it up to you all when I return.
• I’d like to thank my company leadership for granting me an extended leave. I know it’s a privilege to be able to take 6 months off and be able to come back to the same work when I return. Thank you for supporting me in pursuing this dream.
• I’d like to thank the people at my church for picking things up for me in groups where I serve. While similar to my work colleagues, I recognize that this is all volunteer, so I recognize that each of you that took on something did so purely for love of the church and in support of me.
• I’d like to thank my friends who have encouraged me along the way, gave me a great send off party and plan to meetup at some points along the way for some encouragement, food ad maybe a bit of hiking together. I will miss all of you and see some of you on the trail.
• I’d like to thank my neighbors who are covering some of the home chores I will miss while I am on the trail (the grass ain’t gonna mow itself!). This was a big worry of mine in planning things and you all made it easy on me.
• Lastly and most importantly I’d like to thanks my family, especially my wife. You have given me unwavering support through all of the talking, the planning and soon in the doing. I recognize the sacrifices you all are making to make this possible and I really can’t thank you enough. Love you all more deeply every day.

So close now. About to find out what happens when a long held dream becomes real. My heart is filled with gratitude.