Bright and early, on December 1st, Jean says goodbye to the Howells and walk toward Mobile where all his arrangements are made. In the evening, I opened up this message:
From: "Leigh Perry"
Subject: Greetings from mobile Alabama!
Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2000 18:09:19 -0600
Hello! My name is Leigh Perry Herndon and I work for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce in Mobile, Alabama. I wanted to let you know that I spoke with your husband today and he is well. Very well in fact. He will be staying in Mobile for the next two nights (Friday and Saturday) before heading out to Biloxi, Mississippi on the way to New Orleans to spend Christmas with you! For the next couple nights he will be staying in an Elder Hostel on the campus of the University of South Alabama's Brookley Campus. The Hostel is a popular getaway for retired men and women who want to spend a week or two on Mobile Bay while taking classes. Jean met with the newspaper today - the Mobile Register - who will be doing a story promoting his cause. He seems like a very nice person and is really looking forward to your coming down to New Orleans. He spoke about your children and asked that you pass along that he is well. I joked that he has a suntan! Not very common for most people in the Winter. It has been cool in Mobile lately so I think he was pleased to have a warm bed to sleep in this weekend. He stayed for two nights prior in a little town north of Mobile called Creola with a couple. Before that he said he'd actually stayed in a jail cell in a town called Mount Vernon one night. It certainly sounds like an adventure.
If you want to learn more about the town where your husband is staying this weekend look on the Chamber's web site at www.mobilechamber.com or at www.mobile.org. I certainly wish you well and the strength to love your husband for carrying out his dreams!
With warmest regards!
Leigh Perry Herndon
As you can read, poor Jean is not in a bad position at all! He had the phone in his room and he gave me the number. I called Saturday and Sunday! Watch out for the phone bill. Hopefully, I'll get it after the holidays! On the phone we mostly rambled on the joy it will be to be together! What a Christmas present!
His room was well equipped to write so he did all his Christmas letters and cards. And he rested... and rested... he thought how he slept like a bear in winter.
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 13:25:05 -0500
Dear Luce,
This most recent account about Jean's travels through Alabama was exceptional. If he gets no farther than this, he will have made a big difference in the lives of a lot of people. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet him when he came through Charlotte. No one else had the time to talk to him when he appeared at our door, but I thought anyone who had walked all the way from Canada deserved to have a story written about them.
I felt great rewarded by the experience, and I know how others must feel after they meet Jean.
I have friends living in Vancouver who miss getting to celebrate our U.S. Thanksgiving. I plan to forward this account to them. The people who invited Jean to have Thanksgiving dinner with them were celebrating in the true spirit of the holiday -- sharing the bounty of the land with each other, giving thanks for our blessings.
With best wishes,
Pat Gubbins
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 10:18:03 -0500
Hi Luce:
My name is George Weaver. I live in Southeastern Pa. near the Delaware border. I am on the email list of a cycling club in Virginia. The letter of Keith Shuey came through one day. I opened it up and have been following Jean ever since. I believe there are a lot more people like me who are following his story but not corresponding. I wish him good luck and safety, especially when leaving the U.S. Happy holidays to you both!
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 14:47:14 EST
Just letting you know I spoke briefly with your husband one day last week. I'm sorry but I'm not quite sure of the date. He stopped by the store where I work (J & R. Grocery) looking for a place to stay. He though it may rain. We sent him across the street to the Methodist Preacher's house. I regret that I did not get to talk to him more. I had not heard of his journey until now.
He gave me his website address. My pastor was very impressed by him and did spend a little time with him. I live in Calvert Alabama. I cannot help but worry about his well-being although He did look and act well. I wish him all the best and will continue to keep up with him on-line.
Marsha Weaver
Calvert is about 40 miles north of Mobile Alabama
Till later...
Luce