Date: 2004-02-12
To: Off Trail Magic
Miles today: 0.0

For those who aren't familiar with all the traditions of the trail, there is something known as trail magic. It's when an act of kindness is visited upon a thru-hiker, usually by a stranger or friend of a friend. It usually involves food since hikers are always hungry: an orange, a Snickers, a coke. A kind stranger may leave a cooler in a cold stream full of beer, and most of these people do it because they just want to be helpful and be a part of the success of what thru-hikers are attempting. Thru-hikers shouldn't ever expect it, but it sure is nice when it happens. But I have found a derivative of this: Off Trail Magic. It's what I am experiencing now. My friends and family are showing it to me now. My family were suprised of my news of doing the trail, but I was just as surprised at the amount of support they gave. I have always been the sibling/child that hasn't walked the path often taken, but they have never blinked, not once, at least not in front of me. And now they see me off with worry and acceptance once again. Truly appreciated. And I have said this before, but my sister Linda played a large role in a very important part of my trail life, my trail name. Linda, that will never be forgotten, and though you may not think it was all that big of a thing, to me, friend, it was. My friend Ray has supplied me with words so inspirational and perfect that I save the emails and read them when the preparation for the trail seems too much for me to handle. Honestly, if it was possible and time and money and other factors were in place, Ray is the ONLY person I could ever see myself share this hike with. He goes with me. And his wife, my friend, "Koko", has been her usual graceful and insightful self, and has been the cheerleader I have needed, which humbles me coming from a person I respect so much. Rob and Michael gave me a ring to take with me on my trip. The offering of this very sacred and very precious ring left me with no words to show my gratefulness so I hope my stunned and emotional silence was sensed by them. I will return this ring to them, this ring that will accompany and guide me, when I finish my challenge so that they, too, can feel the energy which will be infused into the ring while among the trees, streams, mountains, flowers, and sky that the god and goddess has allowed me to experience first hand. They have mentioned that they would like to meet me at the base of Katahdin to accompany me up the final climb, and I would like nothing more than to return the ring to them on the top. If you guys read this, please consider getting in contact with Ray and Kristen from the above paragraph, they may join you and share expenses. My friends at work have shown support and relishable envy, and now the are getting ready to attend a party for me. My boss Jackie took my news in stride with class. Jackie you know how I feel, I told you so in the office that day. Molly, you and I are so simpatico, it scares me. Your appreciation of Komedy with a capital K thrills me. Jen, your kind and gentle heart perfectly complements your raucous laughter and your desire to always do what's right. To the promotions team, I would promote you any day of the week. Aviva, you have listened to me falsely claim that I was doing the trail for the last three years. I'm glad we've remained friends long enough for you to see me follow through on my big talk. Your amazing, beaming smile infuses me with happiness when I see it, even when I am a bitch to you or others. Clay, to the sexiest man at AOL, your love of life and immediate unsaid knowledge of this journey being the right thing for me helped me make it through some tough days, along with your willingness to give me help with my cabaret and my camera. Rob, to the sexiest man at AOL, I am so grateful to have gone to the sales conference in Philly so I could spend time with you and find that I envy who you are and the life you have. The same sales conference allowed me to get to know Marcus, a man who I figuratively and literally look up to. To the Harlem girls, and you know who you are, thanks for giving this white honky boy a little more soul. And finally, to Scott, the sexiest man at AOL. It's hard for me to come up with appropriate words ... You and I knew each other in another life, or many other lives. We are too much the same not to have known each other before. You are solid and insightful, you don't allow me to get away with any shit, you are intelligent beyond belief. You are literally a hero to me and so many times in my daily life I try to emulate what you do because it is so good and true and right. If I haven't mentioned other people at work, it's certainly not because I don't appreciate you. I'm just absentminded. Melinda, my perfect roommate from long ago, I would room with you anytime. Keep the men of NYC honorable and true and make them act like gentlemen! Laura and Stan (and the zoo)have offered to take the immense duty of being my point people. They are so busy with the running of their theater in Charlotte and still agreed to be my communicators while on the trail. Laura, I am in love with the fact that I love you more each day I know you. I believe that we meet the same people on the same planes on different lives. These people grow and evolve at the same rate. I am so glad that you are my partner in this life, the last one, and the next and the next and the next. And if that wasn't enough, you married a man whom I also love more each day. What I gift I have in both of you. Gina Aker heard that I was doing the trail and in her definitive and authorative way knew that I would finish and succeed the trail. You are a foundation for me, and though miles separate us, your strength means more to me than I ever tell you. Zach and Stacey live in Sherman Oaks, California, and still offered to come see me to the top of Katahdin in August. They have no money, several jobs between them, are on the brink of brilliant show business careers and STILL will make it happen if I say yes. It would be closer for them to go to Hawaii. And as in the case with Laura and Stan, Zach has allowed me to love him and create a friendship that continues to grow and bloom, and then enhances it by being in love with Stacey, thereby increasing the amount of love in my life. I am truly blessed. And finally, I want everyone to know that Julie Willis has the hardest part in this whole transition. Julie, you and I have lead the same life for the last 7 years. We have been there for each other, leapt or crawled over hurdles together, fought, loved, sang and ate our way through New York City. We witnessed every moment of 9/11, live, before our eyes, through an office window. And now, I pull the rug out from under all of that and run off and hike a trail. But this is how I look at it. You and I have walked the same trail for years. Now it changes in only the fact that we will walk PARALLEL trails. Trails that are still close enough to reach out and grab a hand when we need it. See? Off Trail Magic. I believe all I do and try and accomplish are because of the people I have been gifted with in my life. All these people and more have brought me here. Magic. One of my favorite singer/songwriters (and friend) is Maria Gentile. She says in one of her songs, "The kindess of my friends always makes me cry." And that rings so true for me. If I try to wrap my pea brain around all about to happen to me, it overwhelms me and I tear up (I'm allowed, I'm gay). But the effect of all these beautiful people in my life can cause copious tears that I love to feel. What a wonderful life I have right now.