Once born, we know only one thing for certain that will happen to us in life. We will die. Everything else is up for grabs with a unknown future of what we will do, where we will go in life, and how long before we make our way back to the earth. The journey of life is so extremely wonderful and challenging and brutiful (brutal and beautiful). We live thinking we will never truly be gone. We pretend-talk we will die, but mostly avoid the topic in general. Too morbid apparently, but eventually......it happens to us all.
I often think of people who have touched my soul in ways that no other have. People whose paths I've merely crossed for a short moment in time but made an imprint on my soul like no other. Soul healers, if you will. I think of them randomly as they pop into my mind and heart unexpectedly, and I silently reminisce, thinking of what they have said - and not said. I feel warm, comforted and inspired by them. Please let me share a few of these soul healers with you.
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| Mary Elizabeth and Norris Priest in front of their L&N B&B 💚 |
It was May 25th of 2015 and I was running from Venice Beach, CA to Virginia Beach VA (a crossing, as it's called in the ultra running world) when I met this irresistible couple in their 80's, living life next to a L&N railroad track that daily shook their home and the L&N B&B next door that they ran in the small town of Henderson, Kentucky.
As I was making my way across Kentucky, I had tired of both my usual options of nasty/shabby motels and sleeping outside while hiding myself away at the same time to keep 'safe'. So upon prompting of my good friend, Gates, he encouraged me to vear off my route and side step over a few miles in the town of Henderson to a Bed and Breakfast, for a change. I did just that, and have memories of Mary Elizabeth and Norris that will last a lifetime. I had no idea what I was stepping into when I stepped into their life. Or should I say, when they invited me into their world for a short while. Welcoming me with open arms as if they'd known me for years.
The best way for me to explain this experience would be to repost my blog from that day, right here, so you could feel as I did when I met them. It was as if I was a puzzle piece that had fallen into their home and life that fit perfectly. I did not want to leave them - or the B&B. It was one of the few places I stayed during my crossing that leaving there actually broke my heart. And saying goodbye to Mary Elizabeth brought tears to my eyes. She's unlike any other I have met in life. A pure human being.
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Day and Night #55, May 25th - My Favorite (I love the titled I placed on this post at the time 💛)
I started from Morganfield this morning, technically, a late start for me. I needed to sleep in a little (til 6 am!). It would be my usual straight down US60, except for the addition of some rain. It rained off and on, then went to sprinkling only. And after awhile, only dark clouds who threatened more rain, but luckily, never delivered it.
I had my usual entourage of people stopping to inquire if I'm okay, need help, or want a ride. No, thank you, I'm fine. But thanks for stopping! I tell everyone what I'm doing, and then it all makes more sense. Or I'm hoping it makes more sense. One guy in a pickup that offered me a ride to Henderson, saw me on his way back home later in the day. He honked and waved as I was coming into Henderson. I made it, I thought, and he was heading back to where he had come from. It's fun to interact with other people who are also traveling their paths on the road, seeing them multiple times in a day. Almost like friends out on the road.
As I'm getting closer to Henderson, my friend, Gates, texts me about a couple of Bed and Breakfast options. The two motels here are marginal, and a new option would be nice. I call the L&N Bed and Breakfast, as it is furthest across town. I talked to a sweet lady, who said her name was Mary Elizabeth. She tells me about her location, rates, and gave me directions. Then she asks me to call her when I get close, so she can make sure I make it to her B&B okay. How sweet of her, I'm thinking.
I move on down the road, wondering if I've done the right thing. I think so! They probably have laundry, even food. And she had said I'd be the only guest tonight. As I get into town, and am about 1 1/2 miles away, I call back as instructed. She answers, and we finish making the arrangements, directions and such. I tell her I'm going to stop at the Cancun Mexican Restaurant (for lunch) up ahead first, then stop for supplies, then I'll be there. She says to me, "Just one moment.". And then yells out to her husband whose apparently in the yard, it seems, "Norris, want to go eat lunch at the Cancun Mexican Restaurant??" I can hear him in the background say, "Yes, sounds great!" Mary says back to me in the phone, "Okay, we'll meet you there - to have lunch with you. Let me change my clothes real quick".
Okay then. So we will have lunch together. Just like that. And we did! I got there first, and within 10 minutes, they were there. I introduced myself.......I knew them as soon as I saw them. Turns out, they know everybody. Everybody! Seems the folks in the restaurant were ALL people they knew. I watched as they interacted with the community people there eating, even introducing me to several tables of people eating their lunch. I had just come into this town, and now I'm meeting everyone. I did not know what to do except go with it. And I did.
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| Sitting across from them at the Mexican food restaurant, I had literally just met them, I was in awe. They didn't know me, yet acted as if they absolutely knew me. I loved them instantly and wanted to put them in my pocket and take them with me always and forever. |
The Priests' have lived here all their lives, as he owns an Insurance Company ("57 steps from his front door") and she has owned and operated the L&N B&B for the last 20 years. I met many people today, with them. At the restaurant, and then again at their house (next door to their B&B). They actually have friends over now (after we get back from lunch), who are also a nice couple sitting with them on a swing on the front porch of their lovely home. At 5:30 pm I'm supposed to go back over to their house to have dinner according to Mary Elizabeth. Roasted chicken, greens and beans. Mary and Norris are special people in this world. They have a gift. Kind, genuine and caring.
I have this huge house (B&B) to myself. I have a coffee maker, laundry, comfy bed, and lots of room to roam......in a house!!!! This is - by far - the BEST place I've stayed. The best. It makes me sad to think I have to leave. I really, really like them, as well.
I went next door to pay, and they won't let me. She just sent me back to "go nap" and rest. Oh, and dinner will be ready soon.
I can't begin to explain what is happening. It just does. My faith is deep that the Lord will care for me, esp while I am out on the road, and He does. My faith is so strong, as He has shown me over and over that things are going to be okay in these "trying" times of crossing the U.S. I never know what is coming up next, it's always a surprise. I can't even predict something like this. Much less imagine it. But I'm blessed with a magnificent 1845 house providing me comfort, warmth, and food. And a cup of decaf coffee, as I blog. (Thank you, Gates, for finding me this most wonderful retreat).
I better get ready for dinner.
Hygiene Report:
I showered in a claw tub with a brass hanging shower curtain rod all around it. The real deal. My bed is marvelous. I melt into it. I did my laundry in the washer in the basement. And I'm ready to eat again. I forgot to mention, I did have a quesadilla at the Mexican food restaurant. So did Norris. I'll put a picture of them on Instagram.
Better get over there. Don't want to be late for dinner!
Cyndi
** Then I followed up the blog the following day to finish writing about my 'favorite day' **
L&N Bed and Breakfast continued.....
I went next door to Mary and Norris's house at 5:30 pm for dinner. Norris was out back planting flowers, Mary was in the kitchen. Since the cornbread was not ready yet, she finished setting the table, while I pulled the chicken apart and cut it up. The beans and greens were bubbling on the stove. We talked and talked, and I began doing the dishes that had accumulated. We each finished, then the cornbread was ready, and she called Norris inside. We all made our plates from the hot food in the kitchen, and took it to the kitchen table in their sunroom, facing their back yard - and the Ohio River. What a view! Their back yard is elegant and well-manicured. As we ate, we watched a mockingbird pulling straw from a hanging plant to take back to its nest. We watched the hummingbirds drink the sweet water they had hanging, and enjoyed the bunnies as they pounced around the green grass. We talked and it was a easy, relaxing meal. They have a very nice life. They have worked hard, and in fact, Norris still walks his 57 steps to his work next door (insurance co) every day. 80 years old. Amazing.
After dinner, Mary and I dished choc ice cream (with choc chips) in cute dessert glasses. It was a perfect ending to our meal of chicken, greens, beans and cornbread. They love relish on their beans, by the way. I began doing dishes again, and she put the food up. Then, she shoo'd me back to the B&B so I could get to bed. I tried to pay for my room, and they would not let me. I appreciate their hospitality and kindness. I hugged them, and said my goodbyes, as I would not see them in the morning. What a grand experience it was.
The bed I slept in at the B&B next door to their own home was upstairs and absolutely more-than-comfortable. It was magical! This B&B is next to RR tracks (hence, the name L&N for the railroad), and the trains came through out the night. They do not blow their whistle, as they go over a bridge and do not interrupt this area directly. And as Mary said, the trains shake the bed. She was right! I did not mind, I'm pretty used to trains by now.
I made fresh coffee in the morning and got my cart rain-ready. I'll head out very shortly. Today, I go to Owensboro. It will be around 35 miles, I think. John is back in Morganfield, and doing well.
I hope your Tuesday is a nice one. And that you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend. "All gave some, some gave all". I'm thinking of those who serve, and have served this country. I am thankful for them, and our freedom that they provide us.
Cyndi
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As I reread my blog post, my heart sings. How was I this fortunate to cross their path in life. God placed me there, this I know. And now He has Mary Elizabeth front and center to continue her mission of love and acceptance along with Him. I'll see you again one day, my dearest.
Rest easy, my friend.
Mary Elizabeth was extraordinary, raised in a generation where service to others was important - and how you went about it was even more important. She made me feel like her home was mine. When we ate lunch together, it was as if we'd always know one another. Not realizing that could be topped, as we cooked and made dinner together that night, the conversation was easy, relaxing, loving and genuine. She was kind-hearted with a pure soul and loving to all. Thank you Mary Elizabeth. You saved me that day, as I needed you then, and on many days I need you now. You showed me how to move about in the world. Then, and now, you are with me. You gifted me a piece of your essence which I tucked away in my heart, to savor and hold forever.
And yet, another gift I would be given......
It would be only 12 days later that I would have the divine opportunity to meet Rev. Charles Blankenship. As I was making my way through West Virginia, I arrived at a town called Gauley Bridge.
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| I remember being mesmerized by the beauty upon entering Gauley Bridge. |
Now there was not much choice of where to stay here in town. Find a place to sleep outside, or there was a motel on my route that I called to inquire about. That's when a man by the name of Charles Blankenship answered the phone - and another pivot in my life was about to occur. Turns out he's familiar with folks on bikes who are cycling across the U.S., along with runners and walkers who are moving down US 60 crossing the U.S. This was not uncommon to him. He is, or should I say, his 'motel' is on the route. Let me repost my blog from this chance encounter with a man of strong faith and conviction. After all, he is Rev. Charles Blankenship.
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| The church I would attend that evening, where he is pastor. |
Rev. Charles Blankenship. Wow, where do I start. Let's see, with my blog post:
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Day and Night # 66 - Gauley Bridge
I left the real world, we all know and love, of a hotel that has everything you need, and that's really nice. I left it to make my way out of Charleston, and almost 40 miles to a little town called Gauley Bridge. Along the way, I was near the river the majority of the time. It's a understatement when I say how amazing, astounding and picture-perfect the scenery is. It distracted my attention from my leg, to what was around me. I do confess to multiple doses of alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen. It was the only way. I cannot fix my issue right now, as my lower right leg just wants to be swollen and angry. I'm just going to take my obstacles, as they arise, and move through them. I have to. There is no other option.
As I moved down the road today, I did so with a intentional slower pace, and knew that's what is now required. I enjoyed the day! There were many tiny towns I went through. In Belle, there's a huge Du Pont plant. There's mining all around, and many industrial businesses. And not too much traffic, because it was Sunday, and also the interstate (64) is close by. I loved seeing Kanawha Falls as I came into Ferris Glen. That was so pretty!
I made it to motel, the New River Lodge. There's absolutely nothing new here, in this building. I'm sure of that. I'm actually surprised they are allowed to be open. I don't think the motel-police have been here to inspect lately. The owner, Pastor Charles, is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He's warm, caring, and always seems to be doing for others. According to him, there's a "crippled man who lives in room 7" and he cares for him. He went and got him ice cream before we went to church. There are several other people he was driving around, and taking places. Busy, busy. We left for church at 6:30. He says it will last from 7-9 pm, and try to have me back at the motel by 9:30 pm. I'll get up early and head out, but one nights "short" sleep will be okay.
The church is about 2 miles away. Charles and I drive there in his car. He's got to go get ready for the service, and I meet and talk to several of the congregation. They are wonderful people. A number of them live at his motel. He charges 500.00 a month, all bills paid. He helps these people in many ways. They are regular people like you and I, except they live in a small town.
The church service was from 7-9 pm, as he said it would be. It started with music. All kinds of music, many people in the congregation came up to sing, and they all knew when it was their turn. Like they do that each week, I presume. There is a lot of clapping, raising of the arms, and basically singing gospel songs like "no one is watching". It felt good to let loose, be yourself, with no judgement. I enjoyed every single minute. I clapped, I sang, I listened, I watched, I smiled. There were piano players/singers, several played a guitar, and Jerry played a harmonica (which was my favorite). Charles' daughter played the piano and sang. Beautiful, just beautiful. The sermon was about how we "live above our means materialistically, yet live below our means, spiritually ". Very interesting, and true. Toward the end, at the time of prayer requests, many of the congregation said prayers for me, and my safety. It was just overwhelming. Charles told them I had been on the road for 66 days, and it was all so touching. By the time the service was over, many were crying. I can sum it up by telling you there was no other place I was supposed to be tonight......except there. The music spoke to me, the people were like magnets, asking what they can do. Can they get me dinner? What do I need? I will tell you, I will never forget that church service. Everything in it and about it, was speaking to me. I can't explain it in writing. It was meant to be.
My leg did not get iced, and I will not get much sleep. But my spirit is uplifted, and I feel like I have met people who are true, caring and sincere. I went to a church service at "Brownsville Holiness Church" that was unlike anything I've experienced personally, before. I met a Pastor that lives a life of assistance to others. And it all was a night to remember.
Now, I need to get to sleep. I'm going to get up early, and try to get up some of the mountain before the logging trucks start, and the school buses get on the mountain, too.
More later,
Cyndi
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As a side note, thus far I've been running/walking my way across the U.S. for 66 days, mainly on US 60. I'm blogging each day about my experiences, and please excuse my grammar and punctuation, as I'm reposting my blog from which I wrote mostly either on the side of the road or in a motel that no one would stay at unless, well, unless. Speaking of, let me give you some insight into this motel that Rev Charles provided me the safety and shelter of on my Day 66 on the road:
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| This was by far one of the toughest places I stayed. I actually got up in the night and left and got back on the road in the darkness. This was too much for me, despite the wonderful and touching church experience. |
It was difficult for me to blog and even consider being negative about Rev Charles motel, esp when he provides so much kindness and assistance to the needy people in his community. After all, it is a roof over their head. There is access to church and support. He gives so much to the people there and I was privileged to be a witness to this. I realized that he does not have the means to improve the motel. It's crumbling and falling apart at the seams, and he, along with many other people (some of which are his congregation) live at this motel. I struggled greatly with the living conditions there vs providing people with a place to stay and be. I was conflicted about what was happening, but what did I know? I just showed up, was given a room for $20, and offered a ride to dinner and to church. Of which I did all of the above and was left with a knowing of what a truly giving human being really looks like. He looks like Rev Charles Blankenship.
What I can tell you is I've never met someone like Rev Charles. I've never experienced a church service as I did that fateful evening. I still can replay that entire church experience in my mind like it was yesterday. Rev Blankenship is a true servant of God, doing God's work every day. Leading my example, not just words. I watched him as if I could not take my eyes off of what was happening. He lead the service, then after hours of being there, he sang the last gospel song of the evening solo while I felt like he was staring intently at me as if placing the Lord through my eyes and into my body. The entire service I was glued to my seat and paralyzed, unable to move while witnessing the congregation give witness to their life and to God.
And on the drive home, though short, I watched as I knew this man never wavers in his faith nor in his mission in his life. In this small town of Gauley Bridge in West Virginia at a church off the beaten path filled with believers, I was gifted the gift of watching and being in the presence of Rev Charles Blankenship.
He knew not of me or who I was at all. But yet, he welcomed me with open arms to join in his life for a evening. To watch, to learn, to be inspired, and to observe how he serves others. To feed me, to provide a spiritual experience unlike any I've ever experienced. To understand that helping others does not have to include having money, but simply giving of what you do have. To then be given back much greater gifts than money. Thank you, Rev Charles Blankenship. You travel with me even now. Thank you for making sure my cup was filled that blessed night - of caring, of support, of sharing your congregation with me, and showing me what true service in life looks like. You are unforgettable.
To have come across such impactful people on these chance encounters is something I still find fascinating today, Yet, what I find most fascinating, and now realize why I still-to-this-day think about these special and genuine people still today is this:
They did not know me. They know God.
They trust themselves and their knowing.
They allow people such as myself into their lives for a day - and some for a lifetime. Yet, so many people know of them and of what they do. They add value to their community and love everyone always.
I will never forget them. I look forward to seeing them again one day, and thank them for their most precious life's work they did, and how they treated others (and myself) day in and day out with love, compassion and commitment. And, they were also fun, funny, and real. It just doesn't get better than that.
This is exactly how I love to talk about life and death, because it's really more of a celebration. Celebrating the lives of those whose touched our hearts and souls. It helps remind me that death is certain, and is actually a gift that comes along, hand in hand, with life.
And when I step off the curb, these are the people I can't wait to find and hug. I'll be looking for them. What a privilege it will be.
Cyndi
