Posted by Agnes Oquendo on September 01, 2001 at 07:18:38:
But first: Thursday's continuation:
The sun tried to have its way with Lou, teasing him every so often
by peeking out from the clouds.
We did manage to talk to a few people. A young man from a gas station came
out to see if we needed help, he noticed the sign and was curious as to what we
were doing. He told us that he beat cancer and now he is worried about his younger
sister. Also, at a beauty salon, we were able to speak to one of the hair stylists, who said
that in the salon, they were just talking about breast cancer when we showed up.
The owner had undergone a lumpectomy the day before for a benign lump the size of a
golfball. These women are all 33 years of age. Hope the impact of our arrival at the right
moment made it seem as an omen (a godsend, if you will).
40.1 miles for the day on Thursday, finished running near Woodbine, Georgia.
As for today, Friday 8/31/01, Day 28:
Started out today on time, 9:10 a.m. after the Winn Dixie stop for supplies.
The morning air lay stagnant with an overcast sky. Another hot, humid day
with the temperature reaching 92 degrees.
As I waited for Lou, a couple drove up after they saw him running on Route 17.
They lost their parents to cancer: her mother died from breast cancer and his
mother from leukemia when he was 12 years old. We spoke briefly, exchanging stories,
and they assured me that Lou was making his way up the hill.
Shortly after that, we saw a cyclist on his way to Toronto from Fort Lauderdale.
We exchanged greetings and he shook Lou's hand, saying that Lou had a more difficult
task than he.
We crossed the Georgia state line into Florida at 1 p.m. Alas, Mother Nature
was pleased to see us, so she showered Lou with rays of gold beaming brightly.
Lou was rewarded with a 2 1/2 foot shoulder to run on and less traffic.
After passing Yulee, we met another couple, Debbie and her husband, a firefighter.
Debbie's grandmother is a breast cancer survivor at the age of 93.
Mileage for today, Friday: 40. Total miles so far: 951.8
We then drove to the Quality Inn in Jacksonville, where we met Joyce.
She is a 31 year cancer survivor, a happy-go-lucky person who is a breath of
fresh air. Thanks, Joyce, for making us feel comfortable.
So far, Florida has welcomed us with open arms. Mother nature has supplied the
fireworks in the form of lightning, thunder and light rain, which we think represents
good fortune for the arrival at a new destination.
Once again, thanks to all.
Love, Lou & Agnes