My name is Robin Crittenden and I live in Richmond Virginia. I started reading your blog after it was mentioned in a Kim Komando newsletter a while back. I have followed your ride from Florida and now as you are on the last leg of your journey it is a bit more real for me and my family. My husband works for the Pear growers in Oregon/Washington state "Pear Bureau NW" and his first boss of 20 years retired about 5 years ago. He and his wife spent their time between Oregon and Arizona. We met them for a short visit when they came to Virginia about 2 years ago and Herb's wife was having a bit of a problem with her balance. After going home that summer not quite 2 years ago she was diagnosed with ALS. As I would read your blogs I would think about the battle that Mary had to endure and what her husband must be going through too. We received a note from Herb yesterday that while preparing to put Mary into hospice, she took a turn for the worse and died this past Friday. She is with God now in a place where her body is whole again, without suffering. I'm sure that Herb will miss her more than one can imagine and we can only hope that time will ease his pain.
I wanted to tell you that you just don't know the people you are touching with your ride, many like myself read silently, never commenting, all the while enjoying every word you write and picture you post. You have given me a brief online vacation through many states I've never been to but now have made note to visit one day. The inspiration that you give by just riding that bike is more than you will ever know this side of Heaven. The sacrifice that you and your wife are making while being apart has to be hard but worth it in more ways than what it would be if you just stayed home like most of us. I am amazed at all you have done and look forward to reading about the rest of the ride.
Again, thank you for the enjoyment you have given to me and countless others as we follow you on this adventure in your life.
Be safe, don't take the wrong road and hurry to your destination so you can start planning another adventure.