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Here We Go Again!
By Scott | October 14, 2007
It has been nearly six months since I last wrote about the Landmark Run. I want to return to a statement I made in my last post on April 29:
“This is not a failure and I am not quitting, of that you can be sure.”
Beginning Saturday, October 20, I intend to finish what I started. The run will resume just outside of Gothenburg, NE and will cover roughly 240 miles from Gothenburg to the Missouri River in Omaha. The intention this time around is to be a little more wise and take it a little slower and bite off smaller chunks of mileage each day. Completing the run will still be a daunting task and I will still need to complete 24-27 miles a day to see to it that the finish becomes reality.
Many people have asked me if I plan to start at the beginning. The short answer is, no. Not because I don’t want to, but because it simply is not feasible to do so. The combination of family, work, and vacation time do not make it possible to return to Henry, NE to start again. The important thing for me, and you to remember, is that this is as much about finishing what I started and fulfilling a promise to myself, my kids, my family, and the kids at Girls and Boys Town.
There will come a day when I will get the opportunity to do this again and I will take all of the lessons learned and apply them to the next venture. Until then I will be content to run what is left of the state.
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A request
I have chosen to do the second leg of the trip without the comforts and conveniences of the first leg. I have not arranged for any lodging and will take with me what food and water I need to make it from stop to stop. This being said, I would be open to any available lodging and transportation to and from the beginning and ending points each day. One thing I learned on the first stretch is that the people of Nebraska will come to your help in a time of need. I will simply put myself at your mercy and let the rest take care of itself. If you or anyone you know would be able to provide a nights rest and/or transportation at the beginning and end of the day, please contact me using the Contact Scott at the top of the page.
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Supporters and Words of Support
I have continued to receive encouragement since April and wanted to share a photo and letter with you.
Summer reunion of Hastings High Class of 1964 graduates in their Landmark Run t-shirts.
Letter of a Girls and Boys Town Youth:
I received hundreds of letters like this. It is easy to understand why quitting is simply not an option when you read these.
Dear Scott Giddings,
I am a Boys Town youth here who has had my fair share of struggles in the past. I have also struggled here while at Boys Town. When I first got here and struggled to accept that this is the best place for me. After seeing and hearing from your letters and what you are trying to accomplish, I have realized that this is a good place to be at. Anyway, I would just like to thank you for helping me to realize that and hope you the best on your journeys. I will be keeping you in my prayers and be encouraging you all the way.
Sincerely,
(Name withheld)
PS. I would also like to thank you just for doing this. It helps other kids know that there is a place they can be safe.
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And one more snippet from a another Girls and Boys Town youth:
Mother Theresa once said:
“Each one of us is a drop in the ocean, but if that drop were anywhere else it would be missed”
Now, I had to think about this for a minute, so I finally looked up Mother Theresa quotes to find the following:
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop”
What impressed me about all of the letters is just how much our kids want and need to have a voice and be appreciated. The fact that one kid chose to pass this on to me, tells me how much they have to offer. When we feel like our roles on earth are insignificant, we need to stop and remember that we all have a role that contributes to making this a better place. We can choose how we fulfill that role.
Topics: Landmark Run |
5 Responses to “Here We Go Again!”
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:09 am
Go get ‘em Scott! Lisa and I will be cheering you on all the way. We look forward to receiving your updates. You are doing a great thing for the girls and boys of Boys Town. Keep making a difference!
Dick Herman
San Marcos, TX
October 15th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Candy and I applaud your efforts and “sticktoit” attitude Scott. Go Get ‘em!
Ron and Candy Richards
October 15th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Hi Scott,
Thanks for keeping us posted. What you are doing is very commendable and your heart is in the right place. We will be praying for you and keeping up with your run. Be safe and careful.
Sharon and Jackie Stinson
October 15th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Scott; As before, The BT Alumni our behind your efforts 100%. You make us all very proud of what you our doing for the present day youth at the HOME.You and your team are in our prayers. KEEP ON RUNNING FOR THE KIDS.
Bob Curtin Class of 1958 & former BTNAA Board Member.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Scott: You are doing a great thing for the boys and girls at Boys Town. We are with you all the way and support your efforts. Go get em! Rich and Patty Kroger