Date: 2013-07-04
To: One year later...
Miles today: 0.0

The Fourth of July... What does it mean to you?   Historically the Fourth of July has great meaning to this country as it is the anniversary of the day that we adopted the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776. The Declaration of Independence allows us to live the way we do, do the things we want, and pursue the dreams we have. We are free because of it, keeping our government in check and giving rights to all Americans. Today is a day that we celebrate this freedom, a day that we stand back and take a look around and just say thank you.    This day has always been important to me due to its significance. In 2006 I was hired by a local firework display company the day I turned 18. Since then I had spent my fourth of July weeks slaving away setting up massive firework displays for towns and communities so families can sit and watch in awe of the ear popping color painted skies. I loved getting to play with such powerful and amazing fireworks, how could such a small thing create such an incredibly big noise and so much color and effect? Amazing. I worked every 4th up until last year, that is when it took on so much more personal meaning for me.   On March 15th, 2012 I started out on this trail called the Appalachian Trail. It is a 2,184 mile journey stretching from Springer mountain in Georgia all the way up to Katahdin in Maine. I figured I would just give it a try - not thinking I would ever make it all the way. As the weeks passed I gained confidence, a quiet knowledge that I was going to Maine - not giving up. There were many difficult obstacles: tired, exhausted, tendonitis, injuries, dehydration, back pains, knee pains, no food, blisters, seclusion, loneliness. I was able to push past it all though, one foot in front of the other... one step at a time. Today marks the day that I stood on top of Katahdin completing my journey across eastern states. As I walked up to that sign in the bitter cold rain squinting to see through the haze and clouds I knew I had made it. I had tackled the Appalachian Trail! One year later... I woke up to the sound of the rain this morning, what could possibly be more fitting for celebrating the A.T.? No rain, No pain, No Maine as we all use to say as we trumped forward on that muddy trail. I am now proudly in the Air Force - I left for basic back in September. I am now only weeks away from completing the school of my dreams - completing what many told me was impossible for me. I could not have done it without the confidence that I developed, the inner strength. Thank you to all those who helped, I could not have done it alone. Today I am just going to relax and enjoy my time with some friends here, nothing crazy. Mentally thinking back to the adventures I had, watching my slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAiRoNj7Ah4&feature=youtu.beMy favorite quote:After more than two thousand miles on the Appalachian trail, you can expect to undergo some personality changes. A heightened affinity for nature infiltrates your life. Greater inner peace. Enhanced self-esteem. A quite confidence that if I could do that, I can do and should do whatever I really want to do. More appreciation for what you have and less desire to acquire what you don't. A childlike zest for living life to the fullest. A refusal to be embarrassed about having fun. A renewed faith in the essential goodness of humankind. And a determination to repay others for the many kindnesses you have received. -Larry LuxenbergFrom the bottom of my heart to all those who followed me and supported me...THANK YOU!