A Warm Welcome From Ohio…
Here we go again. Since leaving Indianapolis we have been having some great days. The only set back was Ant’s front wheel collapsing on the middle of a dirt road 17 miles short of our destination, which at the time was Greenfield, IN. The only option for him at that point was to tilt the stroller on the back two wheels and have the nose of the stroller sticking up. In order to walk that way, your arms have to hang uncomfortably low. On top of that you really can’t take a second off because the stroller would just topple over. Doing this for any amount of time would be annoying, hard, frustrating, agitating, and any other synonym you can think of. Unfortunately for Ant, he not only had to do that for the last 17 miles that day but three more walks, which included a 33 mile trek, until we could replace it.
That 33 mile walk took us to the edge of Indiana. We were literally a half a mile away from Ohio when we stopped for the night at the Hampton Inn in Richmond, IN. We have become quite the hotel connoisseurs and we were excited about the Hampton Inn, because they have a legendary continental breakfast. After a relaxing night we headed off to hit our ninth state. Before we entered Ohio we prepared at the nearest gas station, filling up on water, ice, and Gatorade. Some military guys happened to walk in as we were and we struck up a conversation. Mike, from Indianapolis, began talking to us and ended up buying our supplies for the day. While we graciously accepted, we both were uncomfortable with the whole situation because we were the ones who should be buying stuff for our soldiers. We had a quick conversation about it and then proceeded on the walk.
After entering Ohio we were set to get picked up and brought to Cincinnati by the Wilkening family, cousins of Mike Turnbull who we met earlier in Nevada, Missouri. When Alley came to get us with her baby son Asher we were looking forward to the night they had planned for us. Allie had mentioned some people were coming over for dinner and after a quick shower we were excited to see it turned into a nice little party. Matt, Allie’s husband was on the grill making his famous ribs and they did not disappoint. Matt is currently in Med school so a few of his classmates came over to meet us and enjoy some really good grub. Also, some neighbors joined to complete the guest list and we all had a really nice night.
One reason why we got hooked up with the Wilkenings is because their four year old son, Eli, has leukemia. He was diagnosed when he was two years old and has been battling ever since. Eli is doing really well and he seems to be handling the situation better than most adults would. I honestly don’t think I saw a smile fade away from his face the entire time we spent with him. It’s funny as we got dropped off by Alley where she picked us up the next morning she said we were an inspiration. We are obviously humbled and very appreciative when people tell us that but honestly I think it is the other way around. The people we meet have given us the inspiration and motivation to keep pushing through. So, thanks to Alley, Matt, Eli, and Asher for being great hosts.
The following day, our walk brought us to Dayton Ohio. The past few weeks, all of our hotel stays have been taken care of. Our mayor Joanne Cocchiola and Loren McCreesh have sent out letters to all the towns/cities we walk through and the response has been great. So, a long overdue thanks is definitely in order for allowing this walk to turn into something special. Between their letters and the people we have met along the way who have passed on word we have been pretty well taken care of. Today at the Double Tree Hotel in Dayton was another one of those nights where we were treated unbelievably.
Unbeknownst to us some employees were tracking our progress as we neared the Dayton area. When we finally arrived at the hotel we were met with our best reception of the trip. About 10 employees were there cheering on us. Some even had special pink shirts on in honor of the fight against breast cancer. Once we got in the lobby there was a sign welcoming us. The whole lobby was decked out in pink and after a lot of introductions and pictures we headed to our suite. There they had cold Gatorade and a huge gift basket stuffed with snacks and t-shirts. Shortly after settling in they told us they had Dayton Dragon tickets for us, the single A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The whole staff had been notified we were coming and they could not have treated us any better.
It is definitely a huge “pick me up” when get responses like that. It seems unfathomable to keep being treated like this, but people continue to surprise us and we are truly thankful each time. Another state down, a day closer to home, and another story to tell.
Well it never ceases to amaze me about all the support and unselfishness that you both have encountered. Your lives and all you have touched will always be special. This great country of ours is blessed with people with Christian beliefs and fundamentals. That is what we were founded on. Eli we will pray for you! Anthony I’m sorry for the stroller struggle. You never complain! I love you both. You are an inspiration to me!! God Save America!! Happy Labor Day!!
My goodness, this post was very touching to me….seeing you guys with my family in Ohio, and seeing that note that Eli wrote to you guys! I’m tough, but that brought tears to my eyes. I’m really glad that you were all able to meet and establish friendships and be inspired by each other. The Wilkenings are an inspiration to so many people, but I know they inspired you guys too!
Thank you for making all of the differences you’re making and touching so many lives.
Save travels!…..
Mike
HiGuys…Thank you so much for humbling us, and making us feel more appreciative for all that we have. Like Mike, the note from Eli brought tears to my eyes…many, many, many tears (lol), and made me stop and think about just how lucky we are to have healthy children. It’s so easy to take our life for granted, but it does us all a bit of good when we are stopped in our tracks in order to appreciate what God has given us. May He continue to bless you with his guidance throughout the remainder of your journey and always. We love you both!!
Love,
Aunt Donna and Billy
I was reading the blog to Dad on my way out and I couldn’t continue because of the tears! People along the way are inspiring to you both and Rob and Ant you inspire people as you continue your journey! Rob, you know I pray all the time, so to Matt and Alley, Eli will be added to my prayers! Mike, another thank you to you from NJ for your family in Ohio. Eli, as a teacher, you are ready for kindergarten! Love to you both and to all of the wonderful people in Ohio! To Joanne and Lauren from Nutley, this trip would not have been possible without the two of you, many, many thanks!
Hi guys, I’m a friend of your mom’s, Rob. Between getting daily updates at school from your biggest fan, this blog and facebook, I’ve been following your progress during the whole trip. I’m at the point now where I know I won’t be able to read a blog post without getting choked up, but that thank-you note totally got me! Lol! I can’t imagine how excited you guys must be feeling now–so close to home!! Hopefully that excitement and the kindness of all the people you’re meeting will carry you right through these last few weeks.
Un abrazo,
Jen
Robbie and Anthony, sweet blessed boys, you have filled my heart with love and my eyes with tears. What a loving, joyful tribute to the power of the butterfly effect as you walk through this great country of ours. Sweet Eli, you are in my prayers forevermore; Mike T. what an honorable man you are. I once read somewhere that there is no better exercise we do for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up — you two are the epitome of this both for what you are doing and for what people are doing for you both. Grandpa Foo used to sing the song “I Believe” to your mommy and I at night — both of you give true meaning to the power of believing.
Guys I can only think of the synchopated sounds of the calliope. It’s music is unique, uplifting and elicits feelings of joy and awe. You guys, Mike Turnbull, Joanne, little Eli do that to me. You are all special, you all are radiant souls that touch and affect so many others on this odyssey. It is that, you know. A splendiforous journey that is in pursuit of meaningfulness. Others from long ago have ventured on vast quests also. Yours is ultimately peaking people’s love for .. . and in each other. Hear the calliope play for you both!!! Hi Eli! Uncle Bill
HEY ANTHONY,
I know you got all my emails. Because you finally wrote me email my way last weekend.
Wow! That a lot going on. Wow! Almost in NJ. Your only a month away from finishing the long cross country walk.
You walk cross country and I cycle for only 2 days twice a year for MS. Can not match what you and Rob are doing. Sheeeesh !!!
KEEP IT UP. SEE YA WHEN YOU COME INTO NJ!
Just Proud to know you special men!
I’m with Mike and Aunt Donna on this one – I couldn’t help but tear up, because yes, you both are indeed an inspiration and of course, so is that adorable little Eli
As you both move forward, whether you notice it or not, you are coming across people who are going to change your lives forever and are the reason behind your walk (like little Eli). And in the process, you are changing theirs. Your homecoming is getting closer and closer…love you both dearly and miss you lots!!!
You guys have been met with such kindness and inspirational acts throughout your great adventure. Your actions are clearly inspired. Your commitment to a cause and willingness to follow through has inspired us all. God is most definitely watching over you. God bless you and keep you safe to the finish line and a very warm WELCOME HOME!!!
Made it to Cincinnati? Sweet! Me and my dad are huge Reds fans and I am sure all the great karma you are carrying around will help them towards the playoffs. We’ll have to chat about some of the future Reds you saw at Dragons game. Awesome stuff guys as we all continue to be very proud of you both!
A little newsflash…the numbers just in….Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund grossed over $21,000 at our fund raiser dinner! We had 350 people in attendance. Perhaps next year, you guys could fly back for the event in August 2011! We’ll roll out the red carpet for you if you do
Hope you’re doing well!
In reading all of the comments from this post, you guys really are an inspiration to so many people and you’re touching so many lives in a positive way. I can clearly see that you have family that really loves you and cares very much about your journey and your cause! Have you spoken to your little friend Eli lately?
Rob…..you look great with a little kid on your hip (lol)…that’s a great picture!
HI Ant and Rob,
I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch lately. Last weeks in August getting my classroom ready and then girls tennis tryouts took up so much time. Now back to school, practice everyday/matches.
With that being said, I’m happy to tell you that every Fall team has a community service they do, and my tennis team did the “can shake” with the mayor at the first Friday night football game, and the donations were for your cause.
I wasn’t there for the count, but my girls told me that they filled “tons” of buckets, so hopefully it was a substantial amount.
I’m so happy to have been part of it.
I’ve been reading your past few blogs now to catch up.
Again, you look wonderful, you have been treated wonderfully, YOU BOTH ARE WONDERFUL!—see you soon.
Love, Aunt Val
Rob it was great hanging out with Aunt Sara Uncle Lou and Dad.DJS was great best ribs ever.Anthony R.Greco Jr Im so PROUD of you and your best bud.Ya know I fulfilled a life long dream by going to the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME.But obviously the best part of going was to share it with you. Hopefully one day you can share this same wonderful experience with your children. .I love and respect you guys so much!
I also teared up upon reading your latest blog. I am so proud of you both and so happy to see all of the wonderful people you have been meeting on your journey. God Bless little Eli. He and his family are in my prayers too!
By the way, Anthony, I did the Nautica Malibu Triathlon this past Sunday and I am still standing!! Give me a call and I’ll tell you all about it. Hope you can join me next year. We raised over $1 million for Pediatric Cancer Center at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. Best of luck on the rest of your walk. Look forward to seeing you in Oct for the wedding! Love, Aunt Carol
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