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Demopolis, AL

Walking along Highway 365

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stephen.meyers.39

I restarted the #PTSDWalk a little too early. Yest

I restarted the #PTSDWalk a little too early. Yesterday I walked 19 miles and I can tell my right shin is not yet ready for the abuse I intend to put it through. Which is why I'm flying back to Missouri tomorrow. I'll be back after I make a full recovery. I'm hoping another 2 weeks of recovery is all I need.

I flew home to Kansas City to heal. I will return

I flew home to Kansas City to heal. I will return to Jacksonville in a couple weeks to resume the #PTSDWalk When life knocks me down, I find a way to get back up.

The doctor said the results of the MRI showed a muscle strain with inflamed tendons. Which is good news because I was concerned the tendons were seriously damaged. He explained that if I were to continue the PTSD-Walk without resting and healing I would increase the risk of severing the tendons, which would require surgery. He said 2-3 weeks of rest. So, instead of resting in a hotel or AirBnB I opted to heal at home with family. Don't worry, I will return.

I'll keep y'all updated on my healing progress.

I'm going to try and use this time to do some helpful things I wanted to do on the road, but didn't have the time or energy to do. Such as make some videos. Why videos? I can only talk to so many people in a day. There is no limit to the number of people that can listen to a video. I'm going to keep trying to help others struggling in silence with Post-Traumatic Stress.

Good morning. The #PTSDWalk was on The Morning Sho

Good morning. The #PTSDWalk was on The Morning Show with Bruce Hamilton of Channel 4 News (WJXT).

I was given a 6:20am show time for a 6:40am time slot. My lovely girlfriend Vicki drove me to the station. Without her, I would not have these photos to share with you. Thank you Vicki for all that you do.

Before the interview, I had on a blue shirt. Today is World Autism awareness day and we're supposed to wear blue to show support.

I briefly met Bruce before the interview during a commercial break. I got the impression Bruce was a genuine and nice person to be around. His presence calmed any uneasiness I felt.

After meeting Bruce, I noticed I would be in front of a blue background while wearing a blue shirt. I asked a nice Lady in a Red Dress if I should change into a red shirt, so I would not blend into the background. She thought that would be a good idea if I could do it. I'm so glad I had my backpack with me. It afforded me the possibility to change shirts on the fly.

The initial part of the interview there were communications issues. We were live and my ear piece stopped working. I couldn't hear the host and I was on television. I could see myself on the monitor, but I heard only silence on the ear piece. Panicky thoughts raced through my mind. (Oh no. Do something Steve. Try and salvage this great opportunity.) "Good morning Bruce, thank you for having me." The monitor cut to commercial. A moment later I heard a voice in the ear piece. "Can you hear me?" A sound technician came to my aid. Yes, I can hear you. "Ok, you're on in 2 minutes...30 seconds... on in 5." In my mind I counted down...4,3,2,1

Once started, the interview went smoothly. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to spread awareness of post-traumatic stress. Too many of our people suffer in silence. They are not beyond redemption. They have not messed up their life so badly that nobody can help them. We all struggle in life. Every single one of us. There's a reason my map has the words "You are not alone" in big letters. There's a reason my backpack has a sign that reads "Believe in you."

I began the PTSD Walk with the goal of starting a conversation. That's my measure of success.

The #PTSDWalk got a lot of love today. On the wa

The #PTSDWalk got a lot of love today.

On the way to the beach I met Big Mama Welling. She walked the Appalachian trail with her 5 kids a few years ago. She said doing a walk like this one changes your life.

Great news! I made it to Jacksonville Beach, FL today. Two news stations were there to capture the moment. First Coast News (WTLV-WJXX) and Channel 4 News (WJXT).

While on T.V. I started to get emotional. I didn't think I would, but it happened. I'm glad I had my sunglasses on to hide my watery eyes.

After the interviews were done I was told there were some kids who wanted to say the Pledge of Allegiance. They looked older than 10, but I had been walking in the sun for 5 hours, so maybe my age judgement wasn't the best. Anyway, the 2 kids, the designated adult, and I all said the Pledge while two news cameras captured the moment. I told the kids "I didn't know you were famous. Did you know you were going to be on the news tonight?"

During all the festivities a few people came over to chat. I really enjoy the one-on-one and small group conversations so much more than the large group ones. They feel so much better.

So, there was this crane operator, Sandy Vann, who was working on the pier while all of this happened. She sent me a photo from her viewpoint. ❤ How cool was that?!!

During the walk this morning I had a few emotional $During the walk this morning I had a few emotional moments. I started thinking about how far I've come to get here. What I've been through. The ups, the downs, and the many many stories I've lived. This has been one heck of a journey. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, because I will finally reach my turn around point at Jacksonville Beach pier. If you're in town I'll be there about noon. Originally the beach was supposed to be 2,000 miles mark. After schedule modifications, the beach now marks only 1,948 miles. I know, I know, what the heck Steve? You've been slacking off too much. "I'll do better. " Today I walked through the rain until I got to the Veterans Affairs clinic. On my way I spoke with a fisherman who was using shrimp as bait. He offered me a soda. I thought that was really cool of him. Just after crossing a small road off of Main street I saw a bunch of people piled into a Mustang convertible. They all seemed to be in good spirits. I asked if I could have a photo with them while they waited for the traffic light to turn green. That sight gave me a chuckle that lasted a whole block. I met several people at the VA clinic. I have no idea how many people I took photos with, or was at least 10. One of them was Liz, who answered my call requesting assistance as a Travelling Veteran. I let her try on my backpack. She had to hold onto furniture for stability because she almost fell backwards. I got great support from the Jacksonville VA clinic on Jefferson Street. In and out in 3 hours as a walk-in patient that had never been seen at that clinic before. Vitals, Labs, X-rays, and a doctor visit. Well done Jacksonville VA. The X-rays did not show fractures in either of my shins. The assumption is that I should only need a few days rest to recover and resume walking marathon lengths again. Oh, the road treasure continued to grow. I'm hoping someone will claim it tomorrow.$

The #PTSDWalk is looking for someone to take owner

The #PTSDWalk is looking for someone to take ownership of my road treasure. Only available to children 10 or younger with their parent or guardian. The child needs to say the Pledge of Allegiance. It's ok if they don't know it by heart. I'll help them through it.

#PTSDWalk update I think I might be able to cont

#PTSDWalk update

I think I might be able to continue. My schedule will need to change after Jacksonville, but I might be able to keep going.

The man in the photo is Harvin Carter. He's been my guardian angel the last couple days.

Google Maps just said "Welcome to Florida." Today

Google Maps just said "Welcome to Florida."

Today I've been able to tolerate a slow pace. I'm 7.1 miles from my motel in Hilliard, FL.

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