“Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
- The King in ‘Alice in Wonderland’
Last Daily Blog
Dear Friends,
“End” in the above quote, for me, means not driving — not completing my trip by car. ‘My plan’ was to begin my drive home to California right off route 81 in Pittston, PA. September 28 celebrated eight months on the ‘road’ leaving four months for my ride home to California.
This wonderful adventure called ‘LIFE’ is having me continue my journey into another arena instead of the open roads. “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” -Charles Schulz
Last Sunday, I experienced a TIA commonly known as a ‘mini’ stroke. On my personal journey side, this means wake up and really ‘listen’. Believe me, I was not this philosophical in my motel room as I awaited the ambulance and laid in the emergency room! My brother was with me when it happened. Last night I arrived back here in my room in the motel after five days in the hospital. All is well!
In the spirit of openness, before my TIA experience I had already decided not to drive home as I was experiencing problems in my left hand and basically could not use it.
Since I will not be traveling by car to share with you the people I meet in towns and cities as well as reports on family homelessness, I will end my daily blog now. To help me document this journey, I will write a brief monthly blog — in November, December and January — this is October’s blog. I have no plans other than to take a long pause, vegetate, read, be quiet on the inside and be open to where life brings me as I do know I still have music in me.
Living in the present moment: I have to highlight the generosity and kindness and smartness of those who made this surprise in my life bearable these days: Holiday Inn Express in Wilkes-Barre – Scranton Airport – the young woman who called the ambulance, the manager who has made me feel comfortable in extending my time; – to Geisinger Heart Hospital – the personal care by James Hara, MD and his team and all the health professionals who have jumped start me to recovery; to my brother, Bill who was here; to Rosie my friend who is coming here from Connecticut today; to my nephew Tommy who, among other things, is arranging for my car to travel the rest of the journey in a truck; and to Catherine Meek whose kept in touch with me now and throughout my whole journey and to Matt Raab for calling as friendly voices from CA. during my hospital stay. I feel extremely privileged to have the love and care from these and many more including the readers to this blog.
As I was in the hospital and watched and listened, I thought of the thousands if not millions of people who are lying somewhere alone, frightened, and very sick and hurting. How great if we were moved to send a card or visit one unknown person where a smile or just quiet sitting would make a huge difference.
Before signing off, the number one state for helping homeless kids is: CONNECTICUT — Congratulations!
A must read as it is a current view September, 2010: ‘Homelessness among youth up 41 percent in the last two years.’ “… recently released a study that marks “unprecedented increases” in the number of homeless children and youth nationwide.”
Please join or support School on Wheels’ Upcoming 5K for our homeless kids happening in October.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Agnes!!!! We’re going to miss reading your daily blogs but we are extremely happy that you’re better and that we’ll see you soon!
Agnes–
You have experienced and accomplished so much on your journey and we are all lucky to have been along for the ride. This blog has been a daily part of my life for 8 months and I am definitely going to miss it. We are so happy you are okay and can’t wait to see you again. Thank you for inspiring us all.
We’ll truly miss your blogs and insight – but are just glad you’re okay…
Agnes you’re absolutely amazing. You are definitely in my prayers. Love you lots!!
Two things for me to celebrate: That you are okay and that I am going to visit the downtown center next week, see the students and see my grandkids’ tile! I believe now, more than ever, that I can do a trip like this, too. Now hurry back to the ‘bu’!
Hi Agnes, I think your plan to take a “long pause,” sounds perfect! Please just don’t make it too long of a pause. We all miss you so much here in the old Southland!
Agnes – your good work will continue even if your road trip is coming to an end. Those who have met you along the way will likely not forget you and your mission, and you know we are always doing good things in SoCal with what you began. I’m glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself and hope to see you again in person soon!
Agnes, what a week you have had! We are all glad you are recovering quickly and have people nearby who care about you. We will look forward to welcoming you home. And yes, we all see and hear the music in you; it is alive and well.
Dearest Agnes,
I was happy to read that you were not alone when this happened and that you are recovering quickly. Music – You Have A SYMPHONY within you. Road trip or not, you have inspired each and every person that has been lucky enough to be touched by your being. Take Care of Yourself and have a safe trip back home. Hope to see you soon…….In Peace and Friendship Always,
Dear agnes, what the author of alice in wonderland meant to say at the end of that quote is” then repeat”. There will be more new beginnings. Can’t wait to see you!
Hi Anges,
So happy to hear that you’re OK, and that your brother was with you. You had an amazing journey, and I’ve enjoyed “riding along” through your blog. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Take care,
Terry