Prologue 2/2: The Heart

CAPE HENLOPEN, DE —

March 24, 2024

T-1 Day:

The heart of this walk, united with its feet.

Dad and I rendezvoused with Greg Mans, his twin brother Jeff, their dog Rio (a real good girl), his uncle Rick, and his two cousins Hunter and Eric along a wheelchair-accessible path in Cape Henlopen State Park not far from where my first step will land.

Eric and his wife, who coincidentally live three miles from the starting point of the American Discovery Trail, graciously offered to host us on the eve of my trek. They have made dad and I feel right at home with stories, laughter, a home-cooked meal, friendly cats, and full hearts.

A day spent with Greg is a sacred gift, revitalizing like the chilled waves of the Atlantic breaking upon your legs, stiff and aching to dance from a long day of stop-and-go east coast traffic.

Coming ashore, I turned to the land between two oceans before me, humbled by the unconditional love of the coastal wind at my back: the heart of this walk, in his chair, united with his feet.