Dad *Open after mile 2168.0

Dad (AKA Tartan),

I told you on the trail, but I want to make sure you truly know how much this trip has meant to me. I will cherish it. I will look back and know it made me a better person and man for doing and accomplishing it.

A few sayings have stuck with me recently and I want to share them with you. First, “when you’re going through hell, keep going.” I’ve been going through a lot of hell in the last couple of years and it just goes to show, this journey as a microcosm, that there is a better side… that there is good around the corner if you just keep going. So when you’re going through hell on the rest of this journey, just keep going. Your family will always be there at the end supporting and loving you.

Second, “if the wind won’t serve, take to the oars.” You have set this example for me my entire life. It took me a while to get it, but I do now and every time things get challenging I “take to the oars” and work harder. Your journey just goes to show that there is nothing anyone in this world can’t accomplish if they just work hard for it when there is no wind.

Finally, “I Love You!” You are my hero, my friend, my supporter, my confidant, my provider, my rallying cry… my dad. I wrote in my journal tonight and want to share with you this… “I got through. My dad got through. We took every step together and I will take every memory with me for the rest of the steps I take in my life.”

Thank You! Love You! Good Luck!

Matthew AKA Watt’s son