May 23, 2013 Day #3 — Newark, DE to North East, MD (15 miles or 30,000 steps

The Kindness of Strangers and Friends

I had my doubts about the overnight healing of yesterday’s damaged feet and spirit, but despite my lack of faith, I wake up with that get-up-and-go feeling. And I do. Super 8 proves more “super” than I had anticipated.

Pat in the breakfast room tells me her long personal story–one with so many difficult chapters that I feel quite blessed in comparison. She listens to mine and responds with the genuine empathy of one whose life has not been easy. Both she and I are on a journey not of our own choosing, a common bond between us.  Pam exudes kindness despite her hardships, not unlike Nathaniel.

As I walk out of Downtown Newark, I’m grateful for two things–that there are still downtowns with character in our country, and that it’s not yet raining as predicted. In several miles I officially cross the DE/MD state line. Another state down. Thank you, Delaware, for being a reasonable size for walkers. Big state welcome signs are so reassuring to pilgrims.

And then I enter the little village of Elkton, MD–more of a town than I had imagined. Its reputation in my head was a place to get cheap liquor by the case or seek an express marriage by the local Justice of the Peace. These booming businesses may explain the proliferation of little motels that skirt the highway. Hmmm!

At noon, my Belgian friend Colette Goethals from Shipley drives into town with her infamous “pique-nique” on wheels. “Oh-là-là! Délicieux.” We spread out the gourmet lunch with a tablecloth, and glassware, elegantly displayed on the park bench in front of the Elkton Chamber of Commerce. Mary Jo comes out to greet us warmly and take our photo. She’s thrilled that we are dining in front of her building. Good advertisement, I suspect. How sweet is that? What a treat to be graciously hosted for lunch. The whole fare is topped with, you guessed it, chocolate! I leave town with a chocolate buzz. Thank you, chère amie. Voilà the kindness of friends.

Tonight’s hosts are friends of Anny Ewing–Angela, David, and Hazel. We’ve never met before except through an e-introduction–technology at its best. They welcome me in warmly, treat me to a marvelous meal, and give me luxurious accommodations. Heaven on earth. I’ve struck it rich with hospitality today, showered with the kindness of strangers and friends–and not a drop of rain. I am blessed indeed.