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The Return - Day 6 Blue Skies Again
By Scott | October 25, 2007
Same story, different verse. The skies are shining on me… literally. In the last several days, I have forgotten what a cloud looks like and quite honestly could care less if I ever see another. I’m sure some farmers in this part of the country might wonder what I am thinking, but it is very hard to complain about what I have been privy to the last week.
Today, I made the trek from Central City on Highway 30 to the little town of Osceola. Along the way I said goodbye to the Old Lincoln Highway and hello to highway 92. I was not disappointed. Sure, there are the fields filled with corn stocks waiting to be harvested and the cattle lots, but the scenery is a notch above what I experienced along Highway 30 and only figures to get better the further east I run. I had the pleasure of having Andy along again today. I am sure he wasn’t as thrilled about it as I was, as he discovered, not one, but two flat tires on his bicycle after yesterdays ride. The flats put a damper on his ability to be a part of the run. As for me, it was still nice to know there would be a friendly face every few miles of the day. Andy is back in Omaha tonight and I will be joined by another co-worker, Jamie Pearson tomorrow. Unlike Andy, Jamie will attempt to join me for the 18 miles between Shelby and David City. Lucky for him, I will have begun to wear myself out between Osceola and Shelby.
I am also very fortunate to be staying with the Brantings of Shelby tonight. Jeff, Cindy, Riley, and Pierce. They have been exceptional hosts to me. It didn’t hurt that we ate New York Strip Steaks, roasted potatoes and garlic bread tonight. My dream meal on my dream trip. I’ve had a good time getting to know them in what little time I have. Lucky for them, I will not be making my stay a regular occurrence.
I am thrilled that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Omaha is just around the corner and the distance is now dipped to double digits. If all goes well, I will stay at David City tomorrow night, Wahoo Saturday, Elkhorn Sunday, and my own cozy bed on Monday.
I did take pictures today but am unable to share them with you yet. In fact, you may have to wait until Monday to get caught up on my photos between now and the finish.
In the absence of photos, I chose to include a few autumn quotes and phrases that describe what I’ve experienced the last week:
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus
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Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps
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No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.
~John Donne
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Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence
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I think I am in heaven on earth. The only sad thing about this trip is that is has to end.
 Thanks again to everyone for their support. I look forward to fulfilling my promise to myself, you, and the kids.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run |
13 Responses to “The Return - Day 6 Blue Skies Again”
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October 25th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
So glad the weather is holding out and the blessings continue. As I was thinking and praying for you and reading that Jamie will join you tomorrow…I cannot help think of words to the song He ain’t heavy he’s my brother: so on we go, his welfare is my concern, while we are on our way… How fitting to have had Andy and will have Jamie to help you continue your dream and Girls Boys Town’s dream. I know it is corny!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I’m so proud of you bro. I can’t believe that you’re almost to the finish line!! Maybe there will be another New York Strip steak waiting there for you:)
Love you!! xo Mel
October 25th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Way to go Scott.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Way to go Scott Gent. Bravo! as we say here.
Good luck for the rest
October 26th, 2007 at 6:06 am
Good job, Scott. Almost there.
Tim
October 26th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Scott….Our absence from posting good wishes to you was caused by our trip to enjoy the “colors of autumn” in the upper midwest. We are enroute home from WI and MI.
Sadly for us, our paths won’t be able to physically cross. But rest assured we are cheering you on and have thought often of you on our trip.
The friend of ours in MI who communicated with you at the origin of your journey was SO excited to hear that you had “started the conclusion”.
Best to ya Buddy….come west and see us again!
Ron and Candy
October 26th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Our girls are so excited that you are back on the road again! It shows our kids that sometimes things don’t go your way, but you don’t have to give up! Thank you for doing this for our kids!
-Jill
family teacher
October 26th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Hey, Scott;
You missed the Cowboy’s football game last night. But then I guess you would of had to run really fast to get here for kickoff. Keep plugging away. Everyone here is cheering you on.
Stan
October 26th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Good Job Scott-
Do U really hvae any idea how many people are following U ? You are touching so many lives with your spirit keep up the good work.
Gayla & I will keep track from Centralia, Illinois
John
October 26th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Lori and I have just returned from Ballymoe, Ireland, our Founder’s home. I took a picture of Father’s statue with me holding his hand and I imagined that everyone who want to help children are also extended his hand. You have not only spoken or suggested of helping the cause, you are doing it! I am postive Father is holding your hand. Great going!!
October 26th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Keep up the good work, stay strong and healthy. Enjoy the beautiful colors along the way, God’s works are amazing at this time of year.
Peace.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Scotty-
I am so proud to have a genetic link to you. It is tremendous that you returned to your run. I think it says far more about your character than just the run itself. It sets an outstanding example for the kids. This time around, you knew exactly how difficult this undertaking would be. You could have easily turned your back and let the landmark run slip away forever. But you hit it head on, despite the level of difficulty, not only willingly but enthusiastically. That is how challenges in life should be handled. You don’t avoid something just because it’s “hardâ€, you face it, with optimism and enthusiasm.
You describe your days as “perfectâ€â€¦what a fantastic reward for your perseverance. I’m so glad for you. Your pictures are beautiful…you have such a poetic eye. How lucky you are to get the chance to experience the country in such a personal way.
I wish I would have gotten to see you while you were here. But your mother enjoyed you being around so much, I didn’t want to steal even one moment that she could have had with you. As proud of you as I am, SHE still is your #1 fan.
I love you…you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Your Favorite Cousin,
Danielle
P.S. OOOOOPs!!!!!!!! I accidently put my message to you on the wrong day. I guess I go down in Landmark history twice! (smile)
October 26th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Scooter–
Though it may feel like that’s what you have been doing….â€scooting†I assure you, you are taking the correct steps to accomplish your goal on this “return to the road†Landmark 2007~Yes, you said 2007 so you are well within your goal for the year and and your desire to bring awareness to the kids of Girls and Boys Town! We are all so proud of the progress you have made to date and we miss you terribly.
We’ve spent the past 7 days with you in our daily existence! We are thankful for Andy and for Jamie P. who will join you shortly. What wonderful gestures to help and encourage you on the road to completion. Yes, again you are wonderfully blessed with the day-to-day support you have been receiving this time around and by just trusting that every day will present the ongoing necessities required to “finish the courseâ€.
Mmmmm New York Strip steaks on the grill sound awesome! Quite unlike the Beef and Egg Noodles received here (even for breakfast? Go figure!)But good fuel to continue the mission you are on.
Yes, selfishly we miss you, but thrilled you are on the road to completion of a goal you dreamed of in the past couple of years. Once again, to quote a quote you quoted of Martin Luther King’s about not having to see the whole staircase but simply “taking the first step by faithâ€â€“well, again, that’s just what you have been doing again on your “Return to the Roadâ€. You will see your dream come true in just 4 more days! It has to be really rewarding to begin seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Baby steps! Goals can be accomplished.
You mentioned that the only sad thing about this trip is that is has to end? That’s true, but there is always another day; another year. You and the kids of Girls and Boys Town will benefit from your “dream†to put your love for running to the best use possible. The end of this trek is nearing but the end of your goals and your desire to put what you love doing for a tremendous cause is an ongoing venture and with that in mind-well, there is no end.
Way to go, Scooter.
Love,
Mom and Dad