Hello Chip. Hello TOD friends. I haven’t been around much lately because I’ve been busy packing up to move back to NY. I’ll be leaving Orlando early Sunday morning. The past year has been tough. I’ve finally run out of savings and can no longer afford to live here with no job and the measly unemployment insurance FL gives its residents. So, I’m heading back up north where I have friends and family – a safety net – and can stay with someone until I’m back on my feet.
I’ll be driving a 26′ U-haul truck with my car hitched to it. I’ve never driven anything bigger than an SUV before, so I’ll need all your prayers and good vibes.
Hello Chip. Hello TOD friends. I haven’t been around much lately because I’ve been busy packing up to move back to NY. I’ll be leaving Orlando early Sunday morning. The past year has been tough. I’ve finally run out of savings and can no longer afford to live here with no job and the measly unemployment insurance FL gives its residents. So, I’m heading back up north where I have friends and family – a safety net – and can stay with someone until I’m back on my feet.
I’ll be driving a 26′ U-haul truck with my car hitched to it. I’ve never driven anything bigger than an SUV before, so I’ll need all your prayers and good vibes.
Drive safely, and look forward to this next adventure. It probably feels good to have finally made the decision to move, and with family around you, it will still feel like home, even though things will be different. Best of luck to you – your comments here are always so wonderful and positive. Sending good vibes for the journey and the new start!
God’s speed and protection as you travel. My prayers will be with while you travel to your destination. Be safe, Hachiko. Let us know when you are safe with your family in New York.
Save travels, I hope you’re fine. I’m sure you’re gonna make it safely to NY. All the best for you and the best of luck for your job search. You’ll be fine, a smart woman like you will surely be fine.
Hachikō, I only just saw your message – from the bottom of my heart I wish you the safest of journeys and a wonderful fresh start in life, you deserve all the luck in the world. When you get a chance please let us know how the trip went. Take care of yourself, love ya, Chipsticks.
May the wind always be a your back ;o) Do yo thang, and be safe while you are doing it LOLOL There truly is no place like home. Best of everything to you.
I’m praying for you to have a safe journey, Hachikō. Watch the roads for ice in unexpected places. We still have some ice on the roads here in GA. Take care and be sure to let us know when you get to NY.
Good grief, Hachikō, a 26′ U-haul! How brave you are. I wish I could steer you to an appropriate job, but I’m glad you’re leaving Florida. It’s seemed to me to have become a pastiche of a state over the past three or four decades. I have a younger brother-in-law down there and a niece, and they seem to like it all right and we’ve gone down there to visit, but I could never get used to a co-mingling of Christmas wreathes and palm trees. I loved the shrimp sandwiches though, and the shore birds, and even the crocodiles.
Safe travels; that’s some journey you’ve chosen for yourself. Blessings on you girl.
Hachiko, I wish you all the luck you need on this new passage in your life. I was in the same position with savings and UI and had to make the decision to move also. I feel much lighter without the worries and stress of “what to do?”. You’ll be fine with family and friends and I believe things will be so much better for you and those of us seeking employment. Take care and again, I wish you luck and will include you in my prayers………
Safe journey and praying that a job comes your way pretty soon, which am pretty certain it will. New year, new and better oppotunities. As mentioned above, check in and let us know how you are.
Hachikō, safe journey. May your wheels be made of Stealth, may no ice or snow impede your travel and may God’s Angels guide your way. You are a valued member on The Obama Diary and may our joint warm wishes be felt as you travel.
Dear Hachiko,
It is good to know at least you will be near the comfort and familiarity of family and other loved ones.
God bless you as you start afresh! Please check back with us, your other “family” who by all the messages here are cheering you on! 🙂
Safe journey. Once you get there, take a couple of days to rest up before hitting the streets if you can. Having family around is indeed a reassurance during troubled times.
Dear Hachiko,
I know you only from your comments here and your always insightful responses at DKos as Marabout40(?) under often unkind and hostile conditions. I never commented there, but always admired your courage and good sense. I hope, as you journey back to us in NY, that your trip will be safe and your sense of homecoming will be strong and supportive. And that you will accept the help you’ve said you enjoy giving as it returns triplefold to you. Karma can be kind.
Forgive my audacious comments, no insult intended, only the warmest of wishes.
Yours is the heart of gold, Chipsticks, for building a welcoming place in which we disparate souls can feel a sense of community and dare to share concern for one another as well as appreciation for President Obama.
Spotlighting Hachiko on her voyage home is a very special kindness as it gives us all a chance to tell her that we are traveling with her, praying for her safety and that she is not alone. Oxfarm gives her protective advice, Symmetry11 gives her a number to call–all of this made possible by you.
So, thank you for caring about the human animals, too;-)
Much blessings Hachiko! Have a safe journey and the best of luck as you embark upon this new and promising phase of your life which will be by God’s grace, richly rewarding.
Hey Hachikō, I know you’re setting off for NY in the morning, just to wish you a safe journey again and the brightest of new beginnings. Thank you to all you beautiful people for sending on your best wishes to this very, very special lady. Love you Hachikō, I wish you nothing but the best.
Yes, Hachiko, I wish you the best of luck on your trip. I will be thinking about you all day tomorrow. SAFE JOURNEY! Soo sorry you are having such a rough time.
I can barely see my screen through my tears. What an outpouring of love and kindness. I cannot begin to tell you all how much that means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.
While I was frantically loading the truck today, I got a text from one our TOD sisters, symmetry11. She said, “I wanted to wish you safe travels. Glad you will be with family. If you feel comfortable, I have a request: if you are feeling tired or need someone to talk to while traveling, please feel free to call me. Please keep up posted, so that we know that you are safe.”
It was so unexpected. I’d never had any interaction with her beyond this blog and Twitter. I broke down crying. I haven’t cried about losing the life I once had, but symmetry’s message broke me down. Please, when you see her around, give her a virtual hug for me.
I’m all packed. Truck’s full. Just have my suitcases to finish packing and I’ll throw those in my car. Tomorrow morning @ 9:00 when the U-haul opens, I will take the truck and my car there (my neighbor will help) and they’ll hitch it up for me and I’ll be off with my, dog, Tucker. I have $520 left to my name and I’m praying it’s all I need to get me to NY.
Thank you all for the love and advice (esp. Oxfarm. Thanks so much for the driving tips). A special thanks to Chip who graciously put this sticky up on her blog for me. She’s tremendous. A wonderful human being who makes us all feel special and welcome when we visit her ‘place.’
A big virtual hug to all of you. I’m going to try to get a goodnight’s rest.
here is wishing you a very safe trip and an exceptionally solid and great start to your new life. I hope that when you get settle in at home, you can provide a us your fellow supporters with some idea of your proffesional hopes and other wishes for the new life. there is a a possibility that some us share your goals and/or are in a position to share a network of resources that could hold you up in your new journey.
I actually spoke to her at about 11:30. She stated that according to GPS she should arrive somewhere around 8:00, but that it would be later than that, due to making stops for Tucker, food etc. She stated that she was a bit tired, so continue to pray for traveling grace. Hopefully, I will get a text or a call from her in a few hours. Enjoy the rest of the day!
Thank you so much for the update Symmetry11, really appreciate it. It just sounds like an endless journey for Hachikō, praying she’ll arrive safely, thinking about her all day. Thank you again.
I WAS wondering earlier today how things were progressing for our traveller, so it’s great to come here and find this helpful update. Thanks Symmetry, Chipsticks, and Hachikō. She’ll probably sleep for a good long time once the stress of this winter driving is finally over.
Wow -the outpouring of supoort and well wishes for Hachikō is truly amazing and obviously heartfelt. Chipsticks you should be very proud of the community you’ve built and the type of people that’s attracted to it. In this divisive political climate, so many people are building careers by fanning the flames of racisim, sexism, homophobia, and classism – it’s disgusting and revolting.
Hachikō – please check back in with your TOD cyber family so that we know you’re okay. Try in earnest to remember that you are so much bigger than your employment status and bank account balance. You have intrinsic value and aptitudes. May God continue to bless and sustain you, best wishes for a fulfilling and prosperous 2011.
Hello everyone! It’s me, checking in! I can’t believe this wonderful post is still up and all the love and support that’s continuing to pour in. I am so thankful to all of you and to Chip, especially for creating such a loving, harmonious and supportive community.
So much has happened on this journey. It’s a journey filled with miracles, grace and the wonderful kindness of perfect strangers (without whom, I would not have made it this far) to wit:
– Yesterday, a lovely, lovely member of this community reached out to me and is helping me financially with my trip. She saw that I’d posted having only $520 to my name and for this trip, and worried it wasn’t enough. She was right: it costs $180 to fill up the truck each time! I had no idea. I’ve filled up 4 times already. If it wasn’t for her intuition and generosity, I wouldn’t have been able to stay the last two nights in a motel or finish my trip. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for her kindness. Never. Even repaying her 10 fold would not be enough. I don’t know if she’d like me to share her name, but I will if she says yes. But, just know that someone with such a big heart is a member of this community.
– Today, I pulled into a gas station to fill up and got the truck and my car stuck. A perfect stranger saw I was having trouble and he helped me back out the vehicle. While I was backing it out, he heard one of the tires making a strange sound, so he had me pull it over into a parking lot so he could take a look. Turns out that I had hit a piece of metal covering one of the tires of the piece of equipment that my car is hitched to and the tire was stuck and dragging. It took him about 20 minutes, several different types of tools, and lots of hard pulling to get the piece of metal away from the tire. He then checked that my car was safely attached to the hitch and tightened up a few things. Just out of the kindness of his heart.
I think an angel’s watching over me. I’m so blessed. There’s so much goodness in the world and I’m so happy to experience it personally, and I can’t wait to pay it forward.
Tucker and I have stopped for the evening in Fredericksburg, VA. We’ll resume and end our journey tomorrow. Poor Tuck. He’s been so good and patient. As I type this, he’s laying fast asleep in my lap. 🙂
I took some pics and will upload them so I can share them with you all.
It’s just so COMPLETELY wonderful to hear from you!! I’ve been thinking about nothing but you and your journey since yesterday morning, I think I’m a hero if I make it to the end of the road and back, so you’re just extraordinary! Give my love to Tucker, by the way. 😉
Your experience with the kindness of ‘strangers’ reminds me so much of this story:
I know who you are talking about, and there are just no words for her goodness, she is just a treasure and an utter inspiration.
There’s so much I want to say to you, but for now I’ll just give you my love and best wishes for the rest of your journey. Stay safe Hachikō, you’re an amazing person, jampacked with kindness and strength – and don’t you ever forget that. I have nothing but admiration for you.
Hachiko, It’s a Small, Small World (a ride at Disneyland is called this.). I grew up in a neighboring county and went to high school in Fredericksburg,VA. Its been a long time since high school but I still go home periodically. Fredericksburg remains the same: country environment, friendly and the most hospitable people. Makes me feel good that you’ve reached a good place to spend the night. Be safe, my cyber friend.
Please drive carefully, will be praying for your safe arrival to NY. Don’t be discourage about returning home because there’s no place like home to start over again. Please post ASAP so that we may know that you arrived safely
Checking in for word of you, Hachiko, at 2:52 AM, EST. Wonderful to see your angels are on full alert and traveling with you.
So pleased the angels here are praying for you, too,–staying in touch and offering you the bread you’ve cast upon the waters as you travel on. Bless you for your courage, and Chipsticks for the two cans and a string of love.
Great news Hachiko. I spent the entire day yesterday just wondering about you and I actually checked in about a zillion times. The Angels are certainly with you. Please continue on your journey safely and as you see we are all rooting for you. You are nearly there. Keep your spirits up.
Hachiko,
I am so glad that you are being taken care of by angels seen and unseen. Your journey has inspired me so much.
You hang in there….give Tucker a hug. Keep your eyes on your goal…of HOME. Praise God for the generousity of the person who helped you fanancially. This site ….it truly is a comfort. Hugs to you, and press on!
Like Oxfarm said Hachiko, hope you and Tucker arrived safely and are getting some well earned sleep. When you get your energy back – and only then! – update us on how things are, lots of love.
I received a text from her at 4:30 saying she was almost there. she was getting gas in NJ. I haven’t heard from her since. I am sure that she is there by now and hopefully getting some much needed rest.
Awwww man y’all got me crying with the outpouring of love in this thread. The stories of the ‘angels’ – starts tearing up again – reinforces my faith in human beings.
Hachikō – you are still in my thoughts. After checking my email and doing my “cyber” errands, I was about to close my laptop but I immediately thought of you and your journey, not only the physical one but the spiritual one as well. Here’s hoping you arrive at both destinations. Let us know how you are!
Okay–gonna do my laundry–but thought I’d look for word from or about Hachiko first. Much needs praying for today. Hachiko, your safe arrival into the welcoming arms of your family is on the list! And THIS (TOD) family has traveled with you throughout!
Chipsticks,
Many thanks for keeping this thread going…with Hachiko. With what occured in Arizona, this “journey with Hachiko” has reminded me that there are still decent human beings left in the world who care about their fellow men/women. Again, I thank you for this site!
Ah, you’re welcome Perry, I am just grateful to Hachiko for sharing her story and news of her journey, the reaction from you all has been so uplifting and I know she’s incredibly moved by it. Hopefully she’s still catching up on her rest! Thanks again Perry.
Hello everyone! I’m here in NY safe and sound. Thank the Lord.
I’m sorry I’m just checking in to update you, but I didn’t get in until around 10:00 last night. Once I got to NY, I was so confused and lost, it took me over two hours to get to my destination. If anyone was going through the Licoln Tunnel around 9:00 last night and saw a cop stop the traffic to allow a huge truck to turn around, well…that was me. Poor cop almost had a heart attack. He was nice to me though – as were so many people along this trip.
I spent most of today unpacking the truck, putting my things in storage, and returning the truck.
I feel so blessed to be part of this community, and to be on the receiving end of so much love and support. Your prayers and your kindness got me here. I seriously believe this because there was an accident right in front of me on the highway as I was going through Baltimore. If I’d been going any faster or was even a few feet closer, I’d have been a part of that accident. Thankfully, all the people in the accident seemed to be ok.
I left Orlando with $520 to my name. If it wasn’t for a TOD angel, I wouldn’t have gotten beyond Virginia. Just gas for the truck cost me over $700. Then there were tolls, hotel stays, storage, and incidentals. Overall, my trip cost over $1,200.
You guys have restored my faith in my fellow human beings and proved that faith and prayer works.
The next phase of this adventure is to find a job and my own place. After the events of the last week, I have no doubt that things will begin to fall into place for me soon.
Tucker is doing ok. It’s going to take him a while to adjust to his new surroundings – things like snow on the ground, no grass to pee on, noise and people everywhere – but he’ll be fine. 🙂
As you can imagine, I’m exhausted. I’m going to try to get some rest tomorrow, but, after that, I’ll be back to hanging out with you guys and continuing to support our wonderful President.
Thank you again for your prayers, your well wishes and support.
Hachikō!! So thrilled you and Tucker arrived safely, that truly was an epic journey! It sounds like he has a lot of adjusting to do, not least figuring out what that cold white fluffy stuff is on the ground 🙂
Wishing you all the luck in the world from here on in, you deserve it. Will catch up with you later, wonderful to hear from you.
You made it!!! My prayers your prayers and all your ObamaFD family’s prayers were heard and they were answered. I kept checking over and over tonight to see if you had made it and you had. The comment number had been, seemingly stuck on 77. I just walked into the kitchen and thought ahha there is 78. I kinda held my breath while scrolling–Yeah your Home comment is here!!
Finally made it. Praise be to God. Like the comments above, I too kept on checking and watching the numbers and boom, its 84 and said to myself new posts, she must have arrived. Thank you for cheking in. Have a nice rest and just trust that a job is just days away.
Good job, Hachiko. I looked at your pictures and saw this monster of a truck with your car at the end….so glad you arrived safely. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks to the Almighty. You are safe and sound in NY. Like some of the others I kept watching the numbers, but I had to go to bed earlier than usual last night. So I only saw your post this morning. Please get some rest. We will wait for your return to this site. I cannot tell what you might have gone through but a few years ago I had a sister who did a similar thing she left Albany and drove to San Diego with her stuff. She made it after five days. Sometimes we have to take the bull by the horns and do what our heart tells us to do. So good luck in your search.
So happy to read the update. I peeped at some of the pics, girl big respect due. I didn’t realize the truck was that big and then the car attached, just wow. Seriously, how did you manage to maneuver it? Good job and your dog is beautiful. Get lots of rest. ❤ 😀
Just got the chance to look at the photos Hachikō, they’re terrific – but how on earth did you drive that thing?!?! Love, love, love Tucker, he’s a handsome devil!
The Obama Diary 
Hello Chip. Hello TOD friends. I haven’t been around much lately because I’ve been busy packing up to move back to NY. I’ll be leaving Orlando early Sunday morning. The past year has been tough. I’ve finally run out of savings and can no longer afford to live here with no job and the measly unemployment insurance FL gives its residents. So, I’m heading back up north where I have friends and family – a safety net – and can stay with someone until I’m back on my feet.
I’ll be driving a 26′ U-haul truck with my car hitched to it. I’ve never driven anything bigger than an SUV before, so I’ll need all your prayers and good vibes.
Wish me luck!
Drive safely, and look forward to this next adventure. It probably feels good to have finally made the decision to move, and with family around you, it will still feel like home, even though things will be different. Best of luck to you – your comments here are always so wonderful and positive. Sending good vibes for the journey and the new start!
Please be safe. You’re in my prayers!
Safe travels, and holding out hope that your employment prospects improve, sooner rather than later. Enjoy your journey.
Please as soon as you get there check in so we know you made it safely. Things will probably get better for your. I will pray they do.
God’s speed and protection as you travel. My prayers will be with while you travel to your destination. Be safe, Hachiko. Let us know when you are safe with your family in New York.
Save travels, I hope you’re fine. I’m sure you’re gonna make it safely to NY. All the best for you and the best of luck for your job search. You’ll be fine, a smart woman like you will surely be fine.
Good luck, drive safely and take your time. We are all with you. Hope things will work out for you in NY.
Be safe, and God Bless…
Thank you, Theo, Kay, Tulips, Gracious, Caroline, and Joy. Thank you all for your sweet messages. What a lovely way to start my day.
I’ll check in with you guys as soon as I get to NY!
Hugs all around. 🙂
Hachikō, I only just saw your message – from the bottom of my heart I wish you the safest of journeys and a wonderful fresh start in life, you deserve all the luck in the world. When you get a chance please let us know how the trip went. Take care of yourself, love ya, Chipsticks.
Hachiko,
My prayers are with you. May God’s angels surround you. Be of good cheer and faith, and know that God is with you.
Hachikō, travel safely my friend and may New York provide you the fresh start you deserve. Good luck and Godspeed to you.
May the wind always be a your back ;o) Do yo thang, and be safe while you are doing it LOLOL There truly is no place like home. Best of everything to you.
My prayers are with you, travel safely!!
Safe journey!!!
I’m praying for you to have a safe journey, Hachikō. Watch the roads for ice in unexpected places. We still have some ice on the roads here in GA. Take care and be sure to let us know when you get to NY.
love,
majii
A safe, peaceful and blessed journey, Hachiko,
Good grief, Hachikō, a 26′ U-haul! How brave you are. I wish I could steer you to an appropriate job, but I’m glad you’re leaving Florida. It’s seemed to me to have become a pastiche of a state over the past three or four decades. I have a younger brother-in-law down there and a niece, and they seem to like it all right and we’ve gone down there to visit, but I could never get used to a co-mingling of Christmas wreathes and palm trees. I loved the shrimp sandwiches though, and the shore birds, and even the crocodiles.
Safe travels; that’s some journey you’ve chosen for yourself. Blessings on you girl.
Hachiko, I wish you all the luck you need on this new passage in your life. I was in the same position with savings and UI and had to make the decision to move also. I feel much lighter without the worries and stress of “what to do?”. You’ll be fine with family and friends and I believe things will be so much better for you and those of us seeking employment. Take care and again, I wish you luck and will include you in my prayers………
Praying for you to have a safe journey Hachikō. We love you and know things will get better. NYC is a great please to start over. Good choice.
Blessing to you and your family! I know you will be fine.
Safe journey and praying that a job comes your way pretty soon, which am pretty certain it will. New year, new and better oppotunities. As mentioned above, check in and let us know how you are.
Hachikō, safe journey. May your wheels be made of Stealth, may no ice or snow impede your travel and may God’s Angels guide your way. You are a valued member on The Obama Diary and may our joint warm wishes be felt as you travel.
Blessings,
barb
Dear Hachiko,
It is good to know at least you will be near the comfort and familiarity of family and other loved ones.
God bless you as you start afresh! Please check back with us, your other “family” who by all the messages here are cheering you on! 🙂
Safe journey. Once you get there, take a couple of days to rest up before hitting the streets if you can. Having family around is indeed a reassurance during troubled times.
Dear Hachikō-
God bless, guide and protect you…
May only truly amazing and positively wonderful things happen for you – you are so deserving…
Do take care and keep us posted ok…
Safe trip Hachikō. May God continue to guide you on your life’s journey.
Safe journey Hachikō and may 2011 be your year!
Dear Hachiko,
I know you only from your comments here and your always insightful responses at DKos as Marabout40(?) under often unkind and hostile conditions. I never commented there, but always admired your courage and good sense. I hope, as you journey back to us in NY, that your trip will be safe and your sense of homecoming will be strong and supportive. And that you will accept the help you’ve said you enjoy giving as it returns triplefold to you. Karma can be kind.
Forgive my audacious comments, no insult intended, only the warmest of wishes.
What a beautiful message to Hachiko, A.L. – you have a heart of gold.
Yours is the heart of gold, Chipsticks, for building a welcoming place in which we disparate souls can feel a sense of community and dare to share concern for one another as well as appreciation for President Obama.
Spotlighting Hachiko on her voyage home is a very special kindness as it gives us all a chance to tell her that we are traveling with her, praying for her safety and that she is not alone. Oxfarm gives her protective advice, Symmetry11 gives her a number to call–all of this made possible by you.
So, thank you for caring about the human animals, too;-)
From a horse hauler…
– Keep your speed 5 mph below limit
– Wide turns. And I do mean make slow and WIDE turns
– When around traffic lights, keep speed low enough so you can stop if you get surprised by a red light.
– Keep your eyes moving. Look ahead, check right mirror, check left mirror. Lather rinse repeat.
– Breathe, and take some time to dream big as you head North.
Best wishes!
Love that advice 🙂
All the best and wishes for a safe journey!
Toasting you and your NEW year. It will be better!!!
Kelly
Much blessings Hachiko! Have a safe journey and the best of luck as you embark upon this new and promising phase of your life which will be by God’s grace, richly rewarding.
Drive safe, Hachikō! Many blessings to you! You are certainly in my prayers!
May this new year be a new beginning for you as well. Wish you good luck in NY. Be safe. Godspeed!
Hey Hachikō, I know you’re setting off for NY in the morning, just to wish you a safe journey again and the brightest of new beginnings. Thank you to all you beautiful people for sending on your best wishes to this very, very special lady. Love you Hachikō, I wish you nothing but the best.
Yes, Hachiko, I wish you the best of luck on your trip. I will be thinking about you all day tomorrow. SAFE JOURNEY! Soo sorry you are having such a rough time.
I can barely see my screen through my tears. What an outpouring of love and kindness. I cannot begin to tell you all how much that means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.
While I was frantically loading the truck today, I got a text from one our TOD sisters, symmetry11. She said, “I wanted to wish you safe travels. Glad you will be with family. If you feel comfortable, I have a request: if you are feeling tired or need someone to talk to while traveling, please feel free to call me. Please keep up posted, so that we know that you are safe.”
It was so unexpected. I’d never had any interaction with her beyond this blog and Twitter. I broke down crying. I haven’t cried about losing the life I once had, but symmetry’s message broke me down. Please, when you see her around, give her a virtual hug for me.
I’m all packed. Truck’s full. Just have my suitcases to finish packing and I’ll throw those in my car. Tomorrow morning @ 9:00 when the U-haul opens, I will take the truck and my car there (my neighbor will help) and they’ll hitch it up for me and I’ll be off with my, dog, Tucker. I have $520 left to my name and I’m praying it’s all I need to get me to NY.
Thank you all for the love and advice (esp. Oxfarm. Thanks so much for the driving tips). A special thanks to Chip who graciously put this sticky up on her blog for me. She’s tremendous. A wonderful human being who makes us all feel special and welcome when we visit her ‘place.’
A big virtual hug to all of you. I’m going to try to get a goodnight’s rest.
Love you all!
Hachikō, if you get a chance today could you check your email? Safe journey friend.
Happy Trails and Great Adventures
Safe trip Hachiko and have a peaceful moving time.See you on the blog soon my friend 🙂
Godspeed. And wishing you the BEST in 2011.
here is wishing you a very safe trip and an exceptionally solid and great start to your new life. I hope that when you get settle in at home, you can provide a us your fellow supporters with some idea of your proffesional hopes and other wishes for the new life. there is a a possibility that some us share your goals and/or are in a position to share a network of resources that could hold you up in your new journey.
wish you love, peace, health and prosperity
Hachikō
Wanted to add my best wishes, virtual hugs, and hopes that you are settled son so we can all visit online.
Godspeed Hachikō! I’ve done the U-haul drive myself more than once, so safe travels.
🙂
This is the most POSITIVE group of comments/people I have seen in a minute.
Soooo refreshing given all the nonsense that the internet brings.
Awesome =]
I hope Hachiko made it safe and is sleeping like a baby now. Can’t wait for her update.
She’s still traveling Kelly, all our thoughts and good wishes are with her.
I actually spoke to her at about 11:30. She stated that according to GPS she should arrive somewhere around 8:00, but that it would be later than that, due to making stops for Tucker, food etc. She stated that she was a bit tired, so continue to pray for traveling grace. Hopefully, I will get a text or a call from her in a few hours. Enjoy the rest of the day!
Thank you so much for the update Symmetry11, really appreciate it. It just sounds like an endless journey for Hachikō, praying she’ll arrive safely, thinking about her all day. Thank you again.
Best wishes and blessings, Hachikō. Have a safe journey.
I WAS wondering earlier today how things were progressing for our traveller, so it’s great to come here and find this helpful update. Thanks Symmetry, Chipsticks, and Hachikō. She’ll probably sleep for a good long time once the stress of this winter driving is finally over.
Wow -the outpouring of supoort and well wishes for Hachikō is truly amazing and obviously heartfelt. Chipsticks you should be very proud of the community you’ve built and the type of people that’s attracted to it. In this divisive political climate, so many people are building careers by fanning the flames of racisim, sexism, homophobia, and classism – it’s disgusting and revolting.
Hachikō – please check back in with your TOD cyber family so that we know you’re okay. Try in earnest to remember that you are so much bigger than your employment status and bank account balance. You have intrinsic value and aptitudes. May God continue to bless and sustain you, best wishes for a fulfilling and prosperous 2011.
What a truly lovely message to Hachiko, Dreamchaser – this blog would be absolutely nothing without good hearts like yours. Thank you so much.
Hello everyone! It’s me, checking in! I can’t believe this wonderful post is still up and all the love and support that’s continuing to pour in. I am so thankful to all of you and to Chip, especially for creating such a loving, harmonious and supportive community.
So much has happened on this journey. It’s a journey filled with miracles, grace and the wonderful kindness of perfect strangers (without whom, I would not have made it this far) to wit:
– Yesterday, a lovely, lovely member of this community reached out to me and is helping me financially with my trip. She saw that I’d posted having only $520 to my name and for this trip, and worried it wasn’t enough. She was right: it costs $180 to fill up the truck each time! I had no idea. I’ve filled up 4 times already. If it wasn’t for her intuition and generosity, I wouldn’t have been able to stay the last two nights in a motel or finish my trip. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for her kindness. Never. Even repaying her 10 fold would not be enough. I don’t know if she’d like me to share her name, but I will if she says yes. But, just know that someone with such a big heart is a member of this community.
– Today, I pulled into a gas station to fill up and got the truck and my car stuck. A perfect stranger saw I was having trouble and he helped me back out the vehicle. While I was backing it out, he heard one of the tires making a strange sound, so he had me pull it over into a parking lot so he could take a look. Turns out that I had hit a piece of metal covering one of the tires of the piece of equipment that my car is hitched to and the tire was stuck and dragging. It took him about 20 minutes, several different types of tools, and lots of hard pulling to get the piece of metal away from the tire. He then checked that my car was safely attached to the hitch and tightened up a few things. Just out of the kindness of his heart.
I think an angel’s watching over me. I’m so blessed. There’s so much goodness in the world and I’m so happy to experience it personally, and I can’t wait to pay it forward.
Tucker and I have stopped for the evening in Fredericksburg, VA. We’ll resume and end our journey tomorrow. Poor Tuck. He’s been so good and patient. As I type this, he’s laying fast asleep in my lap. 🙂
I took some pics and will upload them so I can share them with you all.
Thank you again and big virtual hugs all around!
xoxoxoxoxo
Let me also just add that I think symmetry11 is my sister from another mother. She’s a girl’s best friend. 🙂
Hachikō!!!!!!!!!!
It’s just so COMPLETELY wonderful to hear from you!! I’ve been thinking about nothing but you and your journey since yesterday morning, I think I’m a hero if I make it to the end of the road and back, so you’re just extraordinary! Give my love to Tucker, by the way. 😉
Your experience with the kindness of ‘strangers’ reminds me so much of this story:
http://theobamadiary.com/2010/11/08/the-kindness-of-strangers/
I know who you are talking about, and there are just no words for her goodness, she is just a treasure and an utter inspiration.
There’s so much I want to say to you, but for now I’ll just give you my love and best wishes for the rest of your journey. Stay safe Hachikō, you’re an amazing person, jampacked with kindness and strength – and don’t you ever forget that. I have nothing but admiration for you.
Safe journey, love you Hachikō,
Chipsticks
Hachiko, It’s a Small, Small World (a ride at Disneyland is called this.). I grew up in a neighboring county and went to high school in Fredericksburg,VA. Its been a long time since high school but I still go home periodically. Fredericksburg remains the same: country environment, friendly and the most hospitable people. Makes me feel good that you’ve reached a good place to spend the night. Be safe, my cyber friend.
Please drive carefully, will be praying for your safe arrival to NY. Don’t be discourage about returning home because there’s no place like home to start over again. Please post ASAP so that we may know that you arrived safely
Checking in for word of you, Hachiko, at 2:52 AM, EST. Wonderful to see your angels are on full alert and traveling with you.
So pleased the angels here are praying for you, too,–staying in touch and offering you the bread you’ve cast upon the waters as you travel on. Bless you for your courage, and Chipsticks for the two cans and a string of love.
Great news Hachiko. I spent the entire day yesterday just wondering about you and I actually checked in about a zillion times. The Angels are certainly with you. Please continue on your journey safely and as you see we are all rooting for you. You are nearly there. Keep your spirits up.
Drive carefully as you make your way to NY… we have snow again in this area, so just take your time. Sending this message with lots of prayers!
More prayers from me to you too, Hachiko! With all the luck and wonderful help you have on your side you’ll handle your adventure!
Hachiko,
I am so glad that you are being taken care of by angels seen and unseen. Your journey has inspired me so much.
You hang in there….give Tucker a hug. Keep your eyes on your goal…of HOME. Praise God for the generousity of the person who helped you fanancially. This site ….it truly is a comfort. Hugs to you, and press on!
Hopefully you are near home now if not sleeping peacefully back in New York. Let us know how it goes.
Like Oxfarm said Hachiko, hope you and Tucker arrived safely and are getting some well earned sleep. When you get your energy back – and only then! – update us on how things are, lots of love.
I received a text from her at 4:30 saying she was almost there. she was getting gas in NJ. I haven’t heard from her since. I am sure that she is there by now and hopefully getting some much needed rest.
I noticed the additional entries and thought Hachikō had arrived and updated. No sweat, will check back tomorrow.
I feel like we all lent Hachiko our guardian angels for this journey. I’ve been checking the comment count, too…
Awwww man y’all got me crying with the outpouring of love in this thread. The stories of the ‘angels’ – starts tearing up again – reinforces my faith in human beings.
Hope Hachikō has arrived safely ‘home’.
Hachikō – you are still in my thoughts. After checking my email and doing my “cyber” errands, I was about to close my laptop but I immediately thought of you and your journey, not only the physical one but the spiritual one as well. Here’s hoping you arrive at both destinations. Let us know how you are!
Okay–gonna do my laundry–but thought I’d look for word from or about Hachiko first. Much needs praying for today. Hachiko, your safe arrival into the welcoming arms of your family is on the list! And THIS (TOD) family has traveled with you throughout!
Chipsticks,
Many thanks for keeping this thread going…with Hachiko. With what occured in Arizona, this “journey with Hachiko” has reminded me that there are still decent human beings left in the world who care about their fellow men/women. Again, I thank you for this site!
Ah, you’re welcome Perry, I am just grateful to Hachiko for sharing her story and news of her journey, the reaction from you all has been so uplifting and I know she’s incredibly moved by it. Hopefully she’s still catching up on her rest! Thanks again Perry.
Hello everyone! I’m here in NY safe and sound. Thank the Lord.
I’m sorry I’m just checking in to update you, but I didn’t get in until around 10:00 last night. Once I got to NY, I was so confused and lost, it took me over two hours to get to my destination. If anyone was going through the Licoln Tunnel around 9:00 last night and saw a cop stop the traffic to allow a huge truck to turn around, well…that was me. Poor cop almost had a heart attack. He was nice to me though – as were so many people along this trip.
I spent most of today unpacking the truck, putting my things in storage, and returning the truck.
I feel so blessed to be part of this community, and to be on the receiving end of so much love and support. Your prayers and your kindness got me here. I seriously believe this because there was an accident right in front of me on the highway as I was going through Baltimore. If I’d been going any faster or was even a few feet closer, I’d have been a part of that accident. Thankfully, all the people in the accident seemed to be ok.
I left Orlando with $520 to my name. If it wasn’t for a TOD angel, I wouldn’t have gotten beyond Virginia. Just gas for the truck cost me over $700. Then there were tolls, hotel stays, storage, and incidentals. Overall, my trip cost over $1,200.
You guys have restored my faith in my fellow human beings and proved that faith and prayer works.
The next phase of this adventure is to find a job and my own place. After the events of the last week, I have no doubt that things will begin to fall into place for me soon.
Tucker is doing ok. It’s going to take him a while to adjust to his new surroundings – things like snow on the ground, no grass to pee on, noise and people everywhere – but he’ll be fine. 🙂
As you can imagine, I’m exhausted. I’m going to try to get some rest tomorrow, but, after that, I’ll be back to hanging out with you guys and continuing to support our wonderful President.
Thank you again for your prayers, your well wishes and support.
Love you all!
It warms my heart to know you made it safely. Thanks for checking in, please keep us posted on your progress as you transition.
Thank you! I certainly will. 🙂
Welcome home Hachiko! Thank God for a safe trip! Hurry back to the site, we’ve missed you.
Thanks for letting us know that you arrived safely, Hachikō. I was waiting to hear from you. Get some much needed rest.
Hachikō!! So thrilled you and Tucker arrived safely, that truly was an epic journey! It sounds like he has a lot of adjusting to do, not least figuring out what that cold white fluffy stuff is on the ground 🙂
Wishing you all the luck in the world from here on in, you deserve it. Will catch up with you later, wonderful to hear from you.
You made it!!! My prayers your prayers and all your ObamaFD family’s prayers were heard and they were answered. I kept checking over and over tonight to see if you had made it and you had. The comment number had been, seemingly stuck on 77. I just walked into the kitchen and thought ahha there is 78. I kinda held my breath while scrolling–Yeah your Home comment is here!!
I agree, I have been watching the number all day/night! So happy Hachikō arrived safely! Power of prayers indeed!
Your username is so apropos. You are beyond gracious. I made it, yes. So glad to here safe and sound in freezing NY. LOL.
Good to see you, and thanks for all your wonderful comments and the prayers and positive vibes you sent my way.
{{{{graciouslady}}}}
As promised, some photos of my trip: http://twitpic.com/photos/marabout40
Finally made it. Praise be to God. Like the comments above, I too kept on checking and watching the numbers and boom, its 84 and said to myself new posts, she must have arrived. Thank you for cheking in. Have a nice rest and just trust that a job is just days away.
Thank the Lord! Hachikō: Very pleased to see you and Tucker made it safely.
Welcome home, safe and sound! Wish you well. Looking forward to the pix to see if I can spot the angels in them;-)
Great to see you again Hachiko!!! Shalom!!!
Welcome home, Hachiko! Glad you’ve arrived safe and sound.
Good job, Hachiko. I looked at your pictures and saw this monster of a truck with your car at the end….so glad you arrived safely. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks to the Almighty. You are safe and sound in NY. Like some of the others I kept watching the numbers, but I had to go to bed earlier than usual last night. So I only saw your post this morning. Please get some rest. We will wait for your return to this site. I cannot tell what you might have gone through but a few years ago I had a sister who did a similar thing she left Albany and drove to San Diego with her stuff. She made it after five days. Sometimes we have to take the bull by the horns and do what our heart tells us to do. So good luck in your search.
Just looked at your pics, Tucker is a big one.
glad you made it home safely 😀
So happy to read the update. I peeped at some of the pics, girl big respect due. I didn’t realize the truck was that big and then the car attached, just wow. Seriously, how did you manage to maneuver it? Good job and your dog is beautiful. Get lots of rest. ❤ 😀
Just got the chance to look at the photos Hachikō, they’re terrific – but how on earth did you drive that thing?!?! Love, love, love Tucker, he’s a handsome devil!
Thanks for the update and glad you made it home safely.
Hachiko,
Glad you made it to New York safe and sound. God Bless!
Good job, hachiko. Welcome home. Whew!!