Speaking in Evansville and Mount Vernon

So, blogging has been a bit hard.  First for the obvious: Im exhausted at the end of the day! 

Second: the moments I could be blogging, I've had the opportunity to connect with some amazing people.

Why blog when you can live?

(My cousin came to spend time with me on the river!!)

Well... There's a time and place for both *wink*

So, if you are in the Evansville area on Sunday there will be 3 times we can say hello offline:

9:00 am, we will be at St. Lucas United Church of Christ at 33 W. Virginia Street in Evansville and will say a few words during worship services.

2:30 pm, we will be at the Evansville Central Library in the Browning Room A where I will give my full presentation.

7:00 pm, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Also where I will give my full presentation.

Ok.

Back to the subject of writing/blogging (and ps- I'm writing this on my phone so I'm sorry if the format is off!)....

I plan to hit the road and re-trace my trip right after I finish on the water. Allowing me to write about the physical trip itself, but also the folks who have become part of my journey too. The veterans, families, civilians, contractors, communities that have shared their stories of how mental health, suicide, war and life has molded who they are.

I find I meet someone who changed/inspired/drove me forward, and then the schedule takes over.  I want to know what happens after the moment passes.  I want to keep the discussion going and follow up with the sorrow, triumph, longing, passion and beauty I've seen and heard these past 2 months.

In truth, I'm still waiting for my benefits. In fact, the plan is to start the trip in DC to see my lawyer and get my 'fight' fueled up. I'm tired. I want to sit still and focus on getting well. But not while the stories of others who are fighting for help are also swirling in my head, and not if it means going home and waiting for help again.

I won't go back to that helplessness again.

Just about 7 days left on the river, but I truly feel its just the beginning of this journey... 

(Henry watching a cat from the tent in Rockport)

(Taken by Tre Turchie Barron at Newburgh Lock)

(Chris and Sam of the Ingram Barge, James Paul Ayers)

(A welcoming committee of Hoosier Hospitality out of Tell City)

 

(Karen Gayer, Cody Baker's mother... Celebrating Cody and his twin sister's birthday... 3 weeks after Cody took his life... Still humbles me)

(I want to know the story behind this boat... Seriously... Is that a pop-up trailer on the roof?!)

(Mayor John Tucker of Mt. Vernon, Indiana who shared his friend's story after he came home from Vietnam)

 

(My cousin Anne joining me for 4 days!)

(Colin wading out to film for a documentary about contractors and the challenges they face coming home... He and Uri flew in from Israel the night before) 

As always, please go to the Purple Star link and sign the petition!!

Cody Lee Baker

It's been a busy week and I need to sit and catch up... But before I tell any stories of my good moments, I need to share a real heart ache for another.

Cody Lee Baker took his life just 3 weeks ago...

This handsome, well loved man is gone.

It was unexpected.

It is tragic.

It's stories like his that I'm on the river.

22 Veterans take their lives.... 

DAILY

Serving & working in war zones has consequences at home.

What can YOU do today?

Cody's family is fighting so Cody's beautiful life will not be forgotten... please go to the link and sign the White House Petition (which is different than the Purple Star Family Petition that many of your have graciously already signed).

Tomorrow is his birthday... and the birthday of his beautiful twin sister.  Please let his family know they do not stand alone.

Cody- Love surrounds your family   I am honored to know them, and honored to know of your life.  You live in our hearts and drive us to prevent others from leaving us.

I know you have found peace.

Much love and tremendous thanks for your service....

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/create-change-those-suffering-post-traumatic-stress-syndrome-ptsd/TpVbMbJZ#thank-you=p

Speaking this weekend in Jeffersonville:

• Saturday, 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville, 222 Walnut Street. (A short presentation during worship, followed by an informal gathering and longer conversation at Cheezy’s Pizza, 801 Market Street, Jeffersonville) 


• Sunday, 10 a.m. Worship at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 329 Walnut Street, Jeffersonville, with a longer presentation to follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s. 


• Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Corydon Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 216 N. Mulberry St., Corydon. 
Guests are welcome at all services.

Thank you Mark Vanderhoff for the interview this morning:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130907/NEWS01/309070065/Kayaker-traveling-Ohio-River-raise-awareness-about-PTSD-among-military-veterans-contractors

Huntington, WV

Terry came to the Red Roof Inn (where we had snuck in the night before) and took us back to her house… and to Pastor Tim’s across the street.

We were then shuttled off to a pool party… and BAMM… Huntington UCC became part of my life…

(My new little sister, Mariana... 17 going on super star)

(For those who know my 'glitches'...this pic of standing with a bunch of 'strangers' but still smiling is amazing)

This group.  This amazing group.  Dynamic.  Loving.  Generous.  Open & Affirming.  Beautiful.  TESTED.  Growing…  What other words can I tag to them?  This amazing group…

Pastor Tim’s sermon on Sunday was soul feasting.  Right before key points, he’d clap his hands and kindly shout, “NOW, LISTEN!” and we would.  Everyone would… and not because he told us to, but because he was speaking truth.  It was the sort of reflection that leaves you wondering if he wrote it for you… but you know everyone felt that way.

Marietta introduced me to fried bologna… Huntington introduced me to fried potatoes and brown beans.  I thought I was going to lose weight on this trip… yeah…. Nope!

They gave me the opportunity to share my message.  I got to hear the stories of others who are dealing with mental health issues.  I was honored to hear war stories and victories of veterans.  The post message discussion made me feel a bit more whole.

(Listening after speaking... the best part)

(Love the folks attached to these smiles)

That afternoon I sat on Terry’s couch and caught up on blogging stuff, had veggie soup with Pastor Tim, his Robbie and Punkin (Henry thanked them by having an accident on a beautiful hand painted sign for the church… yup).  I got to hear more about HUCC’s mission for the homeless and hungry, their social justice involvement and ideas for future.  Made me what to stay.

(Robbie puppy wrangling!)

We took off early Monday morning to get me back to the boat (we had left it up river) and do a long, almost 40 mile day… 

(Could your heart break, too?!  It's hard, hard, hard leaving him in the morning)

but the long day was ok, because it ended back in Huntington and with a happy welcome at the marina.

(Henry giving me loves after a long day)

(Hello my cheerleaders!!)

(Selfie with my Sweet One!)

Again Terry hosted me.  The women I’ve had the pleasure to stay with have been enlightened, experienced, beautiful and the perfect dose of instant friend…. Terry continued the standard set by Judy in Marietta.

And then I left that Tuesday morning… and admittedly, it felt like leaving my long time friends behind.

But like with other towns, they have kept in touch… with an awesome vengeance… and through facebook and text messages and motivational videos (you boys…) & posters (Mariana, I adore your face!) they, like all friends I’ve met along the way are right there with me.

(Pastor Tim.  This man... this man... thank you for leading a group of amazing human beings)