Having spent the previous two nights in the desolate desert outdoors with Colin & Shay, walking our greatest amount of miles ever between water stops, on the dry, dusty and dirty afternoon of Sunday, March 14, 2010, the three of us reached a highway-side gas station/convenience store on the outskirts of Blythe.
It’s not uncommon for people to take notice of the signs I walk with: “WALKING ACROSS AMERICA”, spelled out in jumbo, reflective mailbox letters on the front & back. In smaller letters, “ENJOYTHEWALK.ORG” is spelled out on accompanying front + backs signs. Especially while “in uniform,” carrying these large signs across thousands of miles, I’m always enthusiastic to talk to people about the Walk. Despite any stares, however, I almost always leave it up to them to initiate any conversation (or not). Those who really wish to communicate will do so, one way or another…
Arriving almost gasping to this busy truck stop, I remotely remember the presence of an attractive young lady with a small dog near a gray Jetta in the side parking lot. Much more vivid in my mind is the van full of contemporary hippie youths with whom Shay rode forward the last 8 miles of the day—I knew the hippies were “her people,” and part of me wondered if she’d suddenly decide to journey onward with them. Since that day, there hasn’t been a single word of follow-up contact with the hippie van. Heather, however, the young lady with the dog, has since become a very special friend, and despite the fact that she and I have yet to meet in person, I feel a far stronger connection with her than I do with the majority of the people that I’ve actually met across the miles. Fascinating how these things work.
On Monday, March 15, 2010, the day after our final full day of walking across California, and stopping at the highway-side gas station, I received this letter from Heather:
Subject: I was born June 18, 1985
I don’t really know where to start, or if this even means anything….
I was in Blythe this afternoon as your and another male and female were strolling into the gas station with Subway, across from the country home cooking. I was outside standing at my gray jetta, parked by the grass with my puppy.
I was returning from a weekend trip to Arizona, at which I was picking up one of my best friends whom is from Vancouver and on vacation, and bringing her back to my home in San Diego. I saw the three of you and your signs and wanted to come say hello and ask why you were walking, but for some reason just didn’t. I saw your enjoythewalk.org sign and figured I could go to the website and my questions would be answered. Except when I did, I noticed that you were from Vancouver (if I read correctly), where my best friend that was in the car with me is also from. As I read along about your mother (rest her soul) I noticed that she passed on the exact day that I was born.
Strange coincidences? Small world? I’m not sure. I was hesitant to write you, cause I know how weird this may seem….but it keeps popping into my mind and I wanted to share it with you.
I hope you’re enjoying beautiful California, and hope to talk to you soon…..
All the best,
Heather Sullivan
A special new friendship was born that day, and continues to flourish as Heather and I have since kept in touch across the years and the miles. We’ve discussed many perspectives on life, including religion, spirituality, paradigms, outlooks, goals, etc., etc. In short: we ain’t just talkin’ ‘bout ball games…
Over a year into the friendship, the day before Mother’s Day, amongst other words, Heather wrote me this message: “…I know I never met her…but I’m thankful for your MOTHER, Mrs. Throop. Even after her life here on Earth… she has brought together an AMAZING friendship, and I am very thankful for that.”
Heather recently learned she is pregnant, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic and elated for her and the growing expansion to her family. Heather is an especially sweet star in the sky, and I truly look forward to remaining in contact with her through the years and across the miles…
Happy Birthday, Heather Sullivan!!
May the Universe’s Infinite Light + Love fill your heart and keep your soul strong through your every passing moment!!!
