When I set out on my cross-country bicycle journey one of my main destinations, besides reaching the Atlantic Ocean, was the town of East Palestine, Ohio. Birthplace of my mom. On the way to East Palestine people often ask me where I was going? "East Palestine, Ohio" I'd say. Few people knew where it was. Even when I was 50 or 60 miles away people didn't know where it was. But I knew that was where I was heading. On the way I stopped in Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit my Aunt Kay. I told her I was on my way to East Palestine. She said "oh its over 1800 miles away". At that point I realized I still had a long way to go.
I made it!
It is a wonderful place to be. Staying with my cousin Jeff Oliver and his great kids. Harry and Virginia Foster, high school friends of my mom. Sara and Lee my new friends from Centennial Park. All made my visit awesome. Harry took me on a tour of his farm and the Unity Grange Hall where I learned how to square dance when I was twelve or thirteen. The Fosters also took me to a East Palestine High School football game where the Bulldogs won! The same High School my mom went to. I met a half-dozen people that know my mom and the Gillooly family. It was a treat to hear them talk about my mom, still remembering her after all these years. She left Ohio at age 18, on route 66, for California.
If you're going to be from a small town East Palestine, Ohio is the place.
Thanks to Zane Rozeski for helping me with my Buckeye necklace. I will keep it forever and cherish it as a great memory of Ohio. Also, thanks to Katie and Jake, Zane's parents, for all their hospitality and fantastic cooking. It was a great break, home cooked meals, kicking back on the couch and watching football. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at their place. A big thanks to Harry and Virginia Foster for all their hospitality, as well, they are wonderful people living in a beautiful place. They're very blessed. Lastly, thank you Jeff "your kindness and hospitality is much appreciated hope to see you soon buddy"
