Day 14

Day 14: Rest and Reflect

My husband Jerry joined me on my day off today in Santa Fe to give me extra hugs, strength, and support as I continue my journey.

Today is a rest day for me, but it is also a time to reflect on the past week, remembering the beauty I experienced each day traveling across our great country and the sadness I saw in the eyes and words of a veteran I met at Applebee’s.  

 Last Thursday, my cycling group ate dinner at Applebee’s. As I left the restaurant, I saw a gentleman wearing a Navy cap seated in a booth towards the exit. I stopped to thank him for his service. He asked me to sit down for a few minutes. I told him about my cycling trip and raising money for veterans.  It was apparent from the beginning that he was emotionally struggling. He covered his mouth with his hand the entire time we spoke. His name was Larry. He was a Vietnam Navy veteran. He did not want to give me his last name or any information about his years of service. His words were slurred, and he was depressed. He told me that he had been back and forth with the VA about covering his medical expenses, but to no avail. He did not have a missing arm or leg or any visible injury, which made identifying his condition difficult.   He is one of many of our veterans who fall through the cracks and live a life of mere existence despite their sacrifice for our freedom.  I wished Larry well and told him I would keep him in my thoughts and prayers.  When I finally got up to leave, Larry smiled at me. He did not have any teeth.

As I left the restaurant, my eyes were filled with tears for Larry; however, he gave me an intangible gift of strength to continue my mission and bring awareness to mental health issues.