Hey Team,
I was going to post another video today, (I have two ready, one of my ride to Mansfield, Pennsylvania where I’ll be spending Thanksgiving this year and one of the “Jump the Gun Turkey Run” which was basically this last weekend’s pre-Thanksgiving in Boston.) but somehow neither seemed appropriate enough for this holiday.
This is more of a holiday of introspection and since I’ve had so much time for introspection lately I figure I’m well suited to send some extrospection (There’s about a 98% chance that’s not a word. But the beautiful thing about English is you probably got the point anyway.) your way.
I fully recognize that I’m the smallest piece of the Amtrekker puzzle. Amtrekker would not exist without the help of literally HUNDREDS of people. This has been such a fascinating experience for me (and hopefully for you) because so much of what this trip is about has either nothing to do with me or is completely out of my control. Everyday I’m left dangling at the whim of complete strangers and so far I’ve yet to feel let down or slighted in the least.
Maybe I’m starting to sound like a broken record but I am so impressed by the kindness of strangers that I’m just plain incapable of staying quite on the subject. And I know I’ve probably beaten this into the ground before too, but no matter what your political or personal views and no matter how wrong things are capable of going on an international level, you’d be hard pressed to travel this country in this manner and not be proud to be a part of it’s citizenry. Maybe our leaders aren’t always up to snuff, but on the streets we’re chocked full of good people that working together are capable of great things.
How do we make those great things happen?
How should I know, I’m just a homeless vagrant.
But I can tell you this: If there’s anything I’m thankful for it’s that we, as a people, have that pure undiluted POTENTIAL and that so many have used the good that we all share to help me along the way.
Selfish? Probably.
But I’m still thankful…AND proud.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m done.
Brett.
Ah, what the heck…it’s Thanksgiving!
And here’s the youtube link for the other folks. You know who you are.
If you’re thankful for Amtrekker videos and stories, feel free to donate.
The pilgrims would have.
“Thankful…AND proud.” Me too! And, Brett, if the kind of man you are represents your generation, you give me boundless hope and optimism for the future of this great country.
Keep trekking, Pilgrim!
Comment by Gramps — November 22, 2007 @ 6:47 am
Every Thanksgiving growing up, my family would have to go around the table and say what they were thankful for - i absolutely hated doing this. It was embarrasing to be honest as a kid and tell your friends and family that you truly care about them, so we would always BS answers until our Mom was annoyed enough at our inability to be serious that she would finally let us eat. As an adult (not grown up, just a bigger kid), I think the value of those relationships is easier to recognize and voice. So thanks to all the people whose memories have helped shape my life so far. I’m also thankful for guitar hero and grape soda.
Comment by ilott the douchebag — November 22, 2007 @ 7:12 am
i’m thankful for the funny podcast. happy thanksgiving brett-face!!!
Comment by sleepyrobin — November 22, 2007 @ 8:36 am
I’m thankful for my kids. I believe my very existance was just to bring them into this world, but I am very much aware of what you are like on a road trip! PLEASE! call your mom and let her know you’re alright, that you weren’t beaten viciously by three young ladies and left lying in a shallow ditch somewhere other then Pennsylvania. Miss you much. Happy Thanksgiving Pop
Comment by Popamtrekker — November 22, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
I’m hopeful that you have some good people to spend thanksgiving with, instead of on a bus or train all by yourself. I’m also very thankful for you and Jess the two greatest kids any parent could ever hope for, and for our whole family! P.S. I totally enjoyed your podcast and solute to thanksgiving!
Comment by Momamtrekker — November 22, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
[thankful]
Comment by Momamtrekker — November 22, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Comment by Inland Empress — November 22, 2007 @ 11:19 pm