Monday, November 24, 2008

DAY 7 - CARPINTERIA TO MONTECITO

DAY 7 - Valerie walked over 10 miles today through Carpinteria (or Carp to locals) and up to Montecito.  Tracie nursed her blisters while tending to our organizational needs and tracked Valerie as she walked.
LOCATION UPDATE:  Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will be walking through Santa Barbara, on Cabrillo and State Streets.

DAY 7 - Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half sorrow.   This sums up our day perfectly.  Due to the dreaded blisters, Tracie drove the car and tended to her blisters, while Valerie walked alone.   We were not entirely prepared for the day.  Other days, when walking together with a sign that says "REVOKE 8" (a.k.a. "I'M GAY!"), we can laugh off the slights that we receive and we also share in the encouragement we receive.  When walking alone, there is no buffer or comfort from the slights.  Without the support of another, walking alone proved to be very emotionally draining.  This was a perfect parallel to why we are fighting this fight.  We all need one another.  When we stand next to each other, we lessen the pain and we double the joy.  

We have been and continue to be overwhelmed by the people that we encounter that are standing with us.... the bikers that gave a thumbs up, the occasional smile and waves from the people driving by, the 3 women from the clinic who came out offering water for the journey, the librarian pulling her cart who gave a thumbs up, and Matt who sought Valerie out because he wanted to know about "homosexuals." He'd always been told by his church that being gay was wrong and he engaged Valerie in a long conversation trying to understand something different from him.  And finally, the local Carpinteria newspaper saw Valerie walking and asked for an interview. 
We survived the day intact with a beautiful place to stay and rejuvenate ourselves for another day.  Claire and Pat have a breathtaking home and guest house.  They provided the support and space we needed to gear up for tomorrow.  They gave us a delicious meal, a bottle of wine, and luxurious accommodations.  

3 comments:

  1. Wow, you two are truly inspirational! Your heart and courage is way more than I can comment on :)

    Let me know if you need a place to rest your blisters along the central coast. My dad lives in Los Osos (just South of Morrow Bay) and I'm sure they would be happy to open their home. Keep up the good work

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  2. I'm so proud of you!! My finals are next week (un-postponed) and I hope to be able to join you for part of your journey soon!

    Know that those that give you a slight on the road may really think twice later--having had a personal experience through seeing you--about making their next slight. It is through being visual that we will progress, and by golly, you are being visible!

    Big hugs (and foot massages),

    Matthew

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  3. Hiyas from Sweden!

    Saw what you guys are doing through a friend on livejournal. Keep walking girls!

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