Angels Cook Fried Bologna Sandwiches!

   Back in 1980 I remember limping down the sidewalk after getting out of the Emergency Room. It was only a hairline crack in one of my foot bones, but it still hurt! Honestly, that this the only bone that I have ever broken in my whole life (and I'm almost 50). I saw a church steeple and began walking toward it, not really sure what would happen. I prayed that God would help me through this situation. As I limped down the sidewalk, passing well groomed lawns and beautiful houses, I noticed a woman walking toward me. When she got near, I smiled and simply said "hello". On the trail you speak to everyone (usually sharing information about distances to the next shelter, next water supply, trail conditions, etc.) I really didn't think about speaking to her, it seemed to be the polite thing to do.
   The woman stopped and we engaged in friendly conversation. Who was I? What was I doing? Why was I on the sidewalk? Is that a limp I see? Where are you headed? Those were the questions of someone who had a genuine care and concern for others. I answered simply and honestly that I was Tommy Kennedy, had hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia (headed to Maine), I had just come from the ER because of my foot, and I was headed toward the church building to see if I could get some help.
   The woman was astonished that I had WALKED over 1,000 miles in just over 10 weeks. She also said that she was returning from the church building and no one was there at this time. Then she insisted that I come to her house. I turned around and we walked the short distance to her house. That's how I found myself sitting at her kitchen table, engaged in wonderful conversation. She asked, "are you hungry?" By this time it was midafternoon and I had not eaten anything since breakfast. I wasn't just hungry, I was STARVING. Yes, I had food in my pack that I could cook, but I had not found a place to setup for that. I didn't tell the lady all of this, I meekly said, "well... yes."
   The next thing I know she was making me a fried bologna sandwich. I remember that, because I had never had one before. I had always eaten bologna cold. The aroma of the meat heating up filled the kitchen. She placed the piping hot sandwich in front of me with a smile then turned to straighten up the kitchen. When she turned back to say something she noticed that only crumbs were left on my plate. "Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed (realizing now how much food it takes to feed a hungry thru-hiker). The first sandwich was followed by a second (and perhaps a third, I don't really remember). I was in heaven. That's when I realized that angels cook fried bologna sandwiches!
   Here in 2011:  After several days of being stable at 175.4, this morning I weighed in at 176.8. I hope that it is a temporary setback. I tried to run yesterday, but my right calf muscle was so tight that I had to walk/jog for a while. It hurt so bad that I finally had to give up. Last night I soaked it in Epsom salts. I will take a few days off from running and hope to heal up (again!). It reminds me of my time in Carlisle, PA -- having to rest up and recover. It's time for lunch.....do we have any bologna?!