After it was over, I knew right away I wanted to do more. I had thought about walking in Atlanta, but then decided that it would be too difficult to train down here for a walk up there with such different terrain. It was hard enough walking up the small overpasses here, the idea of walking up and down hills made my feet blister just thinking about it. Soooooo I decided to sign up to work on the crew. My first wish was to work a Pit Stop or Grab-n-Go. I was so impressed by all the workers on my walk and I wanted to give back to the walkers what I received from the crew down here. FORTUNATELY for me...all the route crews were filled and when Jessica Levy asked me if I'd work on the set-up crew I reluctantly said I would. Little did I know that that minor disappointment would turn into one of my biggest strokes of luck ever.
When I got my first email from Jeanette, our crew captain, I knew right away she would be an organized and efficient leader. I couldn't possible know how warm and caring and kind she would be as well. I was very apprehensive and more than a little nervous about how everyone on the crew would accept me. I knew some of them had worked together before. I had no idea if they were friends, if I'd be the only one who knew no one else, I had no idea what exactly "forking" would intail, and what other work I'd be asked to do. I was concerned I might not fit in or that the others might not like me...I'm certainly not shy, but I was coming into a situation unlike any I had been in before.
Well...it took about 30 seconds to lose every bit of fear. From the minute we met at crew training everyone was so nice and easy going. We spent the next 4 days working, forking, eating, sleeping, giggling, working some more, sweating, showering, more forking, setting up tables & chairs, putting up tents, dragging duffle bags, cheering on walkers, serving dinner, dancing, karaoke, hugging, crying, forking some more, comforting each other, trading for smileys, missing each other when some had to leave because of illness, holding hands at closing ceremonies and vowing to keep in touch when it was all over. I had the most rewarding and amazing 4 days of my life. I am honored to have been able to work with such loving and caring people. I am truly amazed at how well 14 people from so many different backgounds, with so many different personalities and so many different life experiences were able to work together and form a strong bond of friendship in such a short time. There were no slackers.....there were no trouble makers....well maybe some good fun trouble....no power trips....everyone just came with the intention of doing the best job they could for a most worthy cause. I could not have asked for a better group of people to work with.
One of the additional highlights of the weekend was getting to meet Richard, one of the moto-crew riders, who is a participant on the 3-Day-LOL yahoogroup that I've been on since before the Florida walk. I don't post there often but read everything that is sent and put in my 2 cents worth from time to time. At Day 0 I saw a few moto people standing outside the registration area and asked if one was Richard...and to my surprise it was him. He gave me the biggest smile and warmest hug. What a treat! I didn't get to see any of the route except on Day 3 when I worked at Pit Stop 5, but when I saw him walk with the survivors circle at Closing I felt honored and proud to be able to say I knew him. What a wonderful group that moto-crew is. I know in Florida they were all our heroes for keeping us safe and sound!
I want to thank you all.... Carl, Carla, Cheryl, Debbie, Ione, Jeanette, Jill, Joan, Julie, Lori, Mitch, Molly, & Patty...Gary our Pit Stop Crew Captain...and Richard and all the rest of the crew that helped us over the 3 days. I can't tell you how happy I was to work with all of you. You each in your own way, are very special and I truly hope that we can keep in touch and see each other. again sometime.
If there is another walk next year in Atlanta you can count on me to be there to help out if any or all of you are interested. You all are the proof of that Palotta saying....HumanKind....be both.
Love to you all....Lina
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