"THE RIDE" is now safely parked at the FDNY Training Facility. It's a fitting location. The FDNY stepped up to the plate at the last minute and really helped us out. Thanks Lt Cantwell and FF Kutula! The journey ended yesterday at the Firefighter Memorial in NYC. It was a great ceremony with many families and friends present.
Great memories! "Are you one of the riders?" "No Mam, I'm just the motorhome driver". Rob and I said that so many times. It became humorous. Doak, Natasha, Alex and Rob worked so hard to help make this trip a success and I am thankful to them. There were so many late nights and early mornings prepping and getting things ready. There were uncomfortable, sleepless nights. The food wasn't always there or even good when it was, but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Did everything go good in the motorhome? Not all the time. We got lost frequently, but I learned it's all in the regroup. Rob was an ace at map reading. Did Rob and I bitch at each other? Oh yeah. Try spending 24 hours a day with someone else for an extended period. We still walk away from this as great friends with a once in a lifetime experience in our pocket.
The hospitality that was extended to us from our fellow Firefighters was unbelievable. Firefighters we didn't even know opened their stations to us, fed us and wanted to just sit down and talk with us. Made me proud to be part of this nationwide Fire Department family!
Today is the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. So happy to be in NYC and that Brandi is here to help commemorate this event.
Driving "THE RIDE" for 911 - Written solely by the drivers and passengers of the motorhome. 3300 miles at 12 mph over six weeks in a 34 foot motorhome.
Amazing journey! So happy to hear everyone arrived well & safely!
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, Our whole family is so proud of all of you. Its been a real joy to check your progress daily as the journey unfolded. I had a sense as I read each entry that it was as much about the journey as the destination. You were riding for the people everywhere not just those who were personally marked by this trajedy. We were certainly all touched by it and will continue to be forever. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences with us. Hope we get to see you sometime in the near future. Love you guys! Dede, Bob & Family
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