Date: 2010-08-25
From: Hershey

To: Harrisburg
Miles today: 0.0

I wanted to come back and say a few words for those who kept up with me, and for those who still have questions about why I came home. Since leaving the Trail I have thought of little else. I did leave with a full heart and a happy spirit, thank God. I didn't know it at the time but there were things on my horizon that would have called me away from the Trail anyway, so I suppose God gave me peace about leaving for a reason. The things that were going to call me away are nothing new for those of us who just want to hike the Trail, "Reposibilities". Some family, some work related, and some military related things too. So goes life. I have followed everyone that I hiked with and would like to say congrats to Donner, COB, and Make Time who have all completed their hikes. Way to go Dudes!!! To Tennessee Tom, hope all is well with the leg Buddy, send me an e-mail some time. To Rocker, where ever you are, thanks again for helping me through a tuff time in the beginning. I have learned so much about the Trail, and feel all the richer a person for having been there this year, in the worst of weather in the beginning. Man was it cold!!!For Inch Worm, "Frankie The Sleeper" was a name that someone suggested several years ago when I was going to a confrence in Boston. My friend told me all the famous Hit-Men were named Frankie, and he suggested I tell people my name was Frankie, and if they gave me any lip, that it was Frankie The Sleeper. He said it would scare them to death. The name has even more meaning in my life too, as I am a Nurse Anesthetist. My family really does call me Frankie, from Franklin my middle name, and I really do put people to sleep, either with anesthesia agents, or conversation. Which ever one works first. Thanks Inch Worm for keeping up with me.My mind is occupied now with upcoming responsibilities that will soon take me to far away places, another deployment, but my heart is still full of the Trail. I'm not sure what will quinch this thirst, or when I will drink from its beauty again, but I will. So, for the official notification, here it comes. ""I am planning another thru-hike attempt"". Since anything can happen, attempt puts it in the proper light. Not sure when exactly, we'll have to seen what God has in store for the Old Sleeper.Note to self, no Feburary starts, (did I mention it was cold and the snow was deep), mail-drops will only be for those who want to send me something, and no more schedules. I had a 6 month leave of abscence from work but that nagged on me every day when I wasn't as far as I thought I should have been. So, "NO Job" means "No Schedule". Thats right folks, "Just Smile and Way Boys, Just Smile and Wave". One of my fears was wondering what time away from anesthesia would do to me, and my abilities. The truth is it didn't change a thing. Like riding a bicycle. If anything I feel more confident now than before, and certainly more at peace. Once you decide that you own the job, and not the other way around, it takes all the pressure away. So, I think a whole year off next time should be perfect.The Trail taught me that we are doing things all wrong in our society. We work till we're 70 years old then try and do the things we have been thinking about our whole lives. I will not be able to do them at 70. So every few years, as long as I'm on this earth, I plan to take a year off and have adventures, go on long term missions, and enjoy life, not waiting till tomorrow, or retirement. I hope that the Lord is smiling right now, and I'm sure He is, as I explain my plans. But, that is life, Gods plan and mine, and where the intersections are are the coolest places along the way. When God, and I, showed up at New Found Gap that day in the Smokies, and we walked together that day, life changed for me. I have just got to find some more New Found Gap Stuff. So, if you will, pray for me and I'll do the same for all of you, as the future is unsure. Maybe we can walk together on the Trail, and in His love.God is good all the time.The Sleeper (AT 20??)