Reactions

When I first started talking about my intentions to thru hike the Appalachian Trail with friends and family their, I quickly came to expect one of three responses. 

1. A list of all the reasons I was foolish or out of my mind. 
2. A barrage of questions, that I must say I started to enjoy answering. 
3. Denial. For example, my grandmother was the best at this. She said no. I told her I was thru hiking and she simply laughed and said no. This happened four or five times before we actually discussed it. 

The response I was most unprepared for has come after the barrage of questions. I have been called brave, strong, and a hero. While I’m very flattered, I’m not making any great sacrifices for the greater good so I’m not sure all those words are a good fit. As a matter of fact, I’m just your ordinary person with a goal, even if the goal is a little out of the ordinary.