Running on Empty
In the quiet hours of dawn, sitting in Josie’s cockpit, listening to the harmonies being played out between engine and wheels, I've had time to reflect on this journey. It's been a path lined with the faces and stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, threads woven into the rich tapestry of the American heartland. But now, as autumn leaves gather in the ditches and the chill of winter whispers in the wind, I find myself at a crossroads.
I set out with a mission to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our small towns, to share their tales of generosity and kindness. The road has been both my companion and my teacher, and each stop has reminded me of my belief in the inherent goodness that binds us together. Yet, despite frugal living—meals of grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and the lowly Ramen noodle—the reality is that the fuel gauge is dipping toward empty and the money is drying up like a creek in a long drought.
I never imagined myself as someone to ask for help. That's just
pride, perhaps, or the stubborn notion that I should walk this path unaided.
pride, perhaps, or the stubborn notion that I should walk this path unaided.
I never imagined myself as someone to ask for help. That's just pride, perhaps, or the stubborn notion that I should walk this path unaided. But life has a way of humbling you and reminding you that we're all threads in the same fabric. So here I am, hat in hand now, reaching out to those who've walked alongside me in spirit, who've found some measure of inspiration or solace in the stories I've shared.
The truth is short and sharp: without more money, I may have to cut the tour short. The original funds, already less than hoped for, have dwindled. The road ahead is long, and there's so much more to uncover, so many voices yet to be heard. This journey isn't just mine; it's a collective odyssey that belongs to all who believe in the power of shared stories.
If these updates have resonated with you, if you've found a flicker of hope or a spark of generosity in the tales of these remarkable individuals, I ask you to consider helping to keep this journey alive. Any contribution, no matter how modest, becomes part of the engine that drives Josie and me forward. It's not just about me staying on the road; it's about us, together, continuing to shine a light into the quiet corners where the true heart of our nation beats.
I think of the farmer whose unwavering commitment to his small town shines bright, the volunteer librarian who reopened dusty doors, the countless hands that have reached out not for recognition but out of simple kindness. Their stories deserve to be told, to be heard, to remind us all of the goodness that persists even in trying times.
So I appeal to you now, not as a mere fundraiser, but as a fellow traveler on this winding road. If you're able and willing, please consider donating to the Hope & Generosity Tour. Let's keep the wheels turning, the stories flowing, and the hope alive.
Thank you for walking this path with me. Together we can ensure that the quiet voices are heard, that the unseen deeds are illuminated, and that the journey continues onward. If you’d like to contribute, just follow this link:
And remember to push that slider left to zero; otherwise, you’re going to tip GoFundMe for the privilege of donating...
Much appreciated.
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