So last week I had the opportunity to meet DASH – the amazing 19 year old that walked across the country for Soles4Souls barefoot. This is a reflection of my thoughts and discussions with DASH – my hero.
- You know DASH – you are an amazing person for walking or doing this…” I want to represent something and make a difference, expressing myself “
- Why Soles4Souls? – I was in my graphics design class playing around and came across your logo and mission. I was intrigued.
- Enough to walk across the country? – Yes – there is no reason for people not to have shoes.
- So we walked bare feet for 2.3 miles in Nashville. This was the first time I have ever done anything like this and did not know what to think or expect. It was “different” but I said to myself, this guy has walked over 2800 miles and you can at least do 2 with him bare feet. So I did. It was a very moving and interesting experience for me. You know, Mr CEO trekking around town bare feet, think about that. I experienced different feelings when I was walking with DASH – when I needed comforting I went on the grass, it was soothing to the feet. I stubbed my toe a few times and hit some rough spots also. This is very similar to life. There is not always grass under your feet. Try it sometime and THINK.
- DASH and I hung out having dinner at Flemings one night and going to hear Tiffany sing the next. I felt comfortable with him even though he is young enough to be my son but I hung well. Not sure what DASH would say but I had fun with him.
- Simple things mean something to him. What do simple things mean to me? You?
- When he left, very candidly I was sad. I know that Tiff cried when she left him at his starting point as if we had known him forever. The bond was there and the admiration for him was in our spirits.
- Today, I was thinking – I wonder what DASH is doing- scarcasticaly I made myself laugh and said WALKING. But seriously, what is he doing, where did he sleep last night, what did he eat for dinner, what is he thinking about.
- I am thinking about Dec 7 – meeting him in Jacksonville and spending a few days with him handing out shoes to the hurting in JAX. We will have a few laughs, smiles, meals and just hang out. But then what?
So I close with this thought – it is the simple things, DASH did not buy me anything, he was just there and candidly I will never forget those moments of time that we just hung out – talking, laughing, etc. The question for your is what moments in your life will you “never forget?” THANKS DASH FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE! See you in a few weeks, my friend!
