The last two months have been, by far, the craziest two months of my life. After packing up and flying to San Francisco, a lot of things starting going wrong for me. When I arrived at Journey of Hope orientation I was given XXL bicycle shorts. Now, in case you haven't seen me in years or don't understand the size most people preparing for a cross-country cycling trip are, let me tell you these shorts were far too large. If I pulled them up to my chest, they still came down to my shins like waders. This extreme misfit cause some very unwanted chaffing. A few days later, as we began our trip, I had $2000 worth of property stolen from me in Sacremento. Fast forward another three weeks as we enter into Denver. I have a dramatic crash resulting in a broken collar bone and some road rash. For some reason, I just couldn't catch a break this summer. But even having what could have only been the worst possible trip, I had the best, most rewarding summer of my life. I learned a lot about myself, how to be a successful team, and the amazing abilities of people with disabilities.
Push America's core values are Abilities, Teamwork, Empathy, and Integrity. These tenants have never meant more to me than they do now. If you haven't taken the time to get to know a person with a physical or mental disability, you are missing out on meeting some of the most inspiring, heartwarming people in this world. When you focus on what you have in common rather than we're your differences lie, you realize there is more common ground than difference. It is also important to focus on empathy, not sympathy. Just because someone has a disability does not mean that they want you to feel sorry for them. It is much more helpful and powerful to love someone for who they are than to feel bad for them.
I never thought I would have the physical and mental strength and endurance to complete a journey of this magnitude. I'm proud that I never gave up and pushed myself, along with my team, through to the finish. The arrival in Washington, D.C. may go down as the happiest moment of my life. Seeing my family and friends, along with 1,500 others, cheering us into the Capitol is a moving vision I will never forget.
As for the relationships I built along this trip. The men that I rode across this nation with will forever have a spot in my heart, and hopefully my life. We are spread across the country, from Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, California, and so many other states. Keeping in touch will not be easy, but definitely worth it. With out the support of these men, I never would have finished the trip, and I owe most of my success to them.
I would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible. Thank you to my parents and all of my family for all of your support and donations to this cause. I would also like to thank The Cottages of College Station. Without your donation, I probably would have had the opportunity to do this trip. I would also like to thank the Giles for their support and Dr. Giles for his help and advice that got me through my medical issues. I am deeply grateful for everyone who helped me along this journey, I will not forget your kindness.
This has been an eye opening and life changing summer that will be with me always. As I write this, I am on a plane back to Texas. I can't say how happy I am to be returning to the greatest state in America. I can say from experience.
-John Patrick Welsh II
ΠΑ 2012
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