As I’ve said before, time flies when you’re having fun. It was another whirlwind trip home. I got into St. Louis too late to visit any of the facility’s on my list except for one. I had arranged to leave the RV at a Truck Repair shop while I went home but when I showed up to drop it off the service manager told me they don’t work on RV’s. Someone should tell the woman working the phones. He was very nice and offered to let me store the RV there for free while I was gone, which I did. I made some calls when I got home to see if I could line up a place to take it when I returned but wasn’t having much luck. I called back to the truck repair and left a message for the manager I had spoke with to see if he could recommend something. He not only could, but he also arranged to have the RV delivered to one place to have the shocks and gas tank replaced and then to have it delivered to another place to have my stove and plumbing repaired. What a great guy. Unfortunately, everything was not done to satisfaction when I picked it up. I was even told that my refrigerator wasn’t working and it was full of mold but didn’t know if it was because it was turned off or broke. Wouldn’t that have been nice to know prior to picking it up, especially since they had it for a freaking week???? Turns out they turned it off to fill the propane tank and never turned it back on. DOH!
Alright, I’m calmed down. I just find it messed up that people are taking advantage of the fact that by the time I realize things aren’t fixed correctly I’ll be long gone.
GHOST PIRATE SHIPS PERHAPS???
On the last leg of my trip I passed this weird wooden sculpture kind of thing at a nature preserve. I have no idea what it was but it looked interesting. I also stopped in at Abe Lincolns home while traveling through Lincoln, Illinois.
HOME OF PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Didn’t he live in a log cabin? Oh well, it sure looks huge.
The fundraiser at the Stone 13th Anniversary Beerfest was a huge success and a lot of fun. The support and encouragement I received from the fans and the employees is phenomenal. My volunteers love working the event and we always have a good party at our house afterward. Not to mention, Stone will throw a volunteer appreciation party next month too.
MISSOURI SKY LINE
So I am back on the road and raring to go. Missouri is a beautiful and lush state but I swear you can see the humidity here. Just look at this photo. That isn’t fog folks. The fall colors are starting to arrive and I can imagine what it will look like down the road. I’ve been through Cuba and Lebanon which I didn’t even realize were in Missouri and St. Louis, Sullivan, and Rolla and so far the reception has been awesome. The stops I had on my list for today in Springfield are medical clinics attached to hospitals but aren’t open on weekends, so I will begin my visits there early Monday before continuing on toward Kansas City. I took advantage of the down time and went to the Wild Animal Safari today. It was awesome. Like how the San Diego Wild Animal Park used to be before it went all commercial. First you do a walking tour that takes about 45 minutes and you get to feed the animals through a fence. Then, you drive along a 5 mile stretch around a lake where the animals are roaming free and come right up to your vehicle wanting food. Some were kind of scary like the camel and the water buffalo that came right up and slobbered on the window. I took photos with my phone and will add them at a later date.
My local newspaper is doing another article about the trip which should go to print in a couple of days. Check the NCTimes.com website. The reporter never got a chance to meet with me before I left so she did a phone interview today. The photographer came by my house as I was about to leave for the airport so I can’t wait to see what that picture looks like… not. Tomorrow is a goof off day, sort of. I have been told that I cannot leave the area without a visit to Branson and take the Duck tour and visit the Titanic Museum. I’ll let you know how that goes on my next post. Love to you all. This fight for awareness is for all of us!
Here is an awesome e-mail response I got from a woman at one of the medical clinics I stopped at.
I met you today in Lees Summit, MO at a doctor’s office.
Your determination and compassion for your son and your fight for ALD is so admirable.
I want you to know I went on your website and read the information and I will be forever touched by your amazing dedication to help others with education about this.
I am so sorry for all you have had to go through for your son. I posted your website on my facebook status for all my 400 friends to view.
As a mother, I can’t even imagine what you have gone through. I am so impressed that you are taking a horrible tragedy and trying to help others cope and get education. You are truly an example of an amazing mother.
Thank you for all you have taught me. As I am writing this, I have received messages back on Facebook from all over the country (including New Mexico and Washington DC) stating that your story has touched them as well.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Safe travels around the country.
Warm regards,
Angie