Friday, January 27, 2012
General Delivery
Luckily all those who estimated how far it was to the post office in Pearlington were wrong. I made it there before the Post Office closed at two. New Hiking boots were waiting there for me. Thanks again to Red Wing Shoes for sending them to me at the last stop before Louisiana, Pearlington Mississippi.
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It was around dawn this morning as I made the typical trek down Hwy 90/607 through Waveland. As I came closer to the Silver Slipper sign, I saw what I imagined was a boulder that had broken lose from the back of an 18 wheeler and coming straight toward my little Ford Fiesta (not much bigger than the boulder, I might add). I quickly moved to the left lane, hoping to avoid disaster. As I came closer, saw that it was the world being pushed by a man while walking a dog, and realized I was in no danger I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing things and pinch myself to be sure that I was truly awake. Wow...what had I just seen?! For the next 30 minutes drive time, I made up stories of who you were, where you were going, and of course why you had that big ass globe!! I debated between homeless man who was using the globe as a prop to make more money panhandling, a "missionary" spreading the word of the world coming to an end, or an eccentric party-loving guy making your way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras...you know you'll fit right in there with the guys toting the huge crosses on their backs down Bourbon Street while espousing the coming of Armageddon for all the heathens. Given that I am a social worker...I settled on panhandling homeless man headed to New Orleans! So I told my co-workers my disbelief at what I had seen, and one of them informed me that they had seen a news story about you and thought they remembered that you were raising money for wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I googled "man walking with world" to get the scoop. Even though an admirable cause to raise money for wounded soldiers (as my co-worker recalled incorrectly), I was even more touched to learn that you are walking for diabetes awareness as this means you are walking for ME...and so many others! I was diagnosed as Type 1 insulin dependent at age 25, 17 years ago. My diabetes was difficult to control for many years, but nevertheless I didn't give up. I finally "gave in" to an insulin pump 2 1/2 years ago, and it's the best thing I could've ever done. I SO wish I would've stopped to say "hello" this morning, asked of your story, and thanked you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions to fighting this insidious disease. But it was still dark, I was on a mission to get to work on time (for a change), and I wasn't so sure that it was safe to stop and talk to such an "oddity", especially one with a big ass globe and a dog!! Now that I know your dog's name is "Nice" that's even funnier. So instead I'm saying "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!" from the safety of my home computer, posted your story on my FB page, and wishing you safe travels Mr. Bindl. And hey...check out the French Quarter and Mardi Gras...you'll be the most normal person there!!!! Walk on, Shelley Parker, Perkinston MS
How's my boyfriend (Nice)? and how is Erik? It's Anita from the Pass. Glad to hear you made it before dark and got your new shoes. I want to thank you for what you are doing and wish you the best of health and luck and safety in your travels. I will keep in touch.
I saw you this morning walking on 90 near waveland and had no clue until i googled what your story was. I think what you are doing is amazing!!! I only wish i would have known before hand i would have definately stopped to take a picture. Actually seeing Something this cool in person happens once!! I wish i knew the route you were going as i drive through Louisiana for work. Kinda close to where you are!!
Dear World Guy,
My husband and I were on our way from my belived little home town of Pearlington, MS to Slidell, MS when we passed you and Nice on your trek. Neither of us knew anything about you, but figured it must be for a very special cause. I immediately visited your website and started reading some of your stories.
I wanted to tell you that I believe it takes a very strong and devoted individual to take time out of your life to walk across the country for a cause they are passionate about. I think it is brave and encouraging. I only wish I would have stopped the car to say hello, take your picture, and say, "thank you!"
Thank you again for your service. The world needs more selfless people like you. Good luck on the remainder of your journey. I wish you and your dog safe travels and many great adventures, and I hope you enjoyed the beautiful state of Mississippi!
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