4/20/2022

I woke. I walked. I hitched to Julian. Sat to have a meal the the diner on the corner and called Gran EB.
It’s a weird sensation to have one of your final conversations with someone. In this case how normal the convo was. She was waking from a nap when Michael handed her the phone.
Gran EB: “Ohhh Key-On. Are you climbing all the mountains?”
Me: “Heyyy Nancy. I’m trying to! How are you doing?”
G: “I’m good. Just woke from a nap. So tell me how is it out there?”
Me: “It’s awesome! I’m making some friends, have had some amazing views, I slept under the stars and the moon.”
G: “Oh good! That is so awesome, it’s so awesome you are doing this. I’m so proud of you.”
She asked me questions. I was able to answer them all as if it was a normal conversation. When we were hanging up…
G: “I Love you Keon and I am so proud of you and so happy you’re doing what you’re doing!” with emphasis on the bold, as she does.
Me: “I Love you too Gran EB”
And she handed the phone back to Michael. And I broke down at my table in the front of the diner next to the big window.

I called Dad, Mom, Delaney, Taryn, Donald, Cody.
DOnald drove up right after work to pick me up in Julian. When I need my friend, he’s there for me.

I got pie at Mom’s and sat with Julia and Callum for a few hours. Julia was there first and I told her I had to leave the trail for a few days. We had a good heart to heart. Callum found out when he joined. He was visibly moved. I really appreciated his empathy. He was fidgeting and made a crane (origami)! I’m gonna give it to Gran EB

And like that- 5 days in, 77 miles- I was off the trail to go to New Hampshire so I could have the final goodbye with my Grandmother.