Tennessee – Home Sweet Home

The great state of Tennessee has always felt like a second home to me. Since my parents owned a cabin in Sevier County, our family often spent many breaks and holidays in the beautiful hills and valleys. Needless to say, I was excited to cross “once and for all” into the state of Tennessee shortly after the Roan Highlands of North Carolina. This is also where I met my superstar angel, Sue.

The back story

my firThe first interaction with Sue was through my YouTube channel after she left a comment with a butterfly and a heart. 🦋❤️ This was very early, before we had even started the path. She was one of my first cheerleaders. And of course, I always responded with gratitude for their support. After every video, I look forward to that sweet butterfly and heart in my comments section.

After a few weeks of traveling, I received an email from Sue with that same butterfly and heart asking if she could help me provide some magic along the way when I entered her area. My heart almost exploded! I was excited to finally meet her.

Entering Tennessee

Here’s the fun part. I thought we would meet in North Carolina, where she lives. However, he drove to the Tennessee border to provide a magical crossroads trail…for me! I suggested to him that that wasn’t enough and that he meet me for dinner that night as soon as I checked into the hostel, so we could spend more time together. She agreed. He also mentioned that it was difficult to get to the lodge from the trail and that he would take the backpack to my hiking partner, Peel. He took the opportunity because he had some knee problems. She wasn’t kidding either! That hill to climb to get to the hostel was no joke! And wouldn’t you know it, he even came down that steep hill to make sure I didn’t miss it. She wanted to make sure I was sure.

Easter Sunday

Of all the days I’ve spent on the trail, I’ve only had a couple where it’s rained. Wouldn’t you know? Easter Sunday was one of them. Since it was Easter, I had agreed to stay in a hostel that night. When I arrived at the hostel, soaked to the skin, I stood waiting. Sue quickly came to my rescue, warming me up. Not the hostel employees. It was Sue. He also invited me to a hot Easter dinner and we talked about family and traditions. Your presence there made me feel seen and appreciated. Especially on a day when I was homesick for my family.

A great day of walking

The next day, Peel and I decided to set out on our biggest day of hiking yet. 23.5 miles. Peel was still in pain, but felt he was up to the challenge, with Sue accompanying him for most of the miles. We left that morning and began our adventure. I didn’t anticipate seeing Sue until later that day, when she would meet us with her pack. However, 4 miles away, she was there to greet us with hot coffee on a cold morning. Exactly what I needed to move forward. Towards the end of the day, when I was waiting for her, she greeted us again with sweets and refreshing drinks. During the day, he would also send me a sweet and encouraging message to keep me motivated. With Sue, I knew I was not alone. She was there for me.

There’s something about Sue

My last official day in Tennessee was bittersweet. That morning, Sue met me again at a trail intersection with hot coffee and breakfast sandwiches. I knew I had a lot of miles left to go, but spending time talking to her was much more important to me. When I finally started walking again, it became a day of reflection on all the blessings she had been to me. I knew that very soon I would be able to say goodbye to Sue. You can’t follow me to Katahdin. Can she? At the end of the hike that day, she surprised me by being in Damascus, Virginia, and greeting me at the trailhead with a big hug, congratulating me on finishing Tennessee State. Above all, Sue made me feel beloved.

God blessed me with Sue

The Trail Angels are a blessing and I have been extremely blessed on this journey. This, however, was more. I think this was a wink from God above. He let me know that he was seen, sure, not alone, and beloved through a woman named Sue. The same name as my mom, whom I had lost eight years ago, who introduced me to the “Great Smoky Mountains” in Tennessee. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

My border ballad The dedication to the Great State of Tennessee is «Home Sweet Home» by Motley Crue. You have always had a special place in my heart and thanks to Sue, I have been reminded again how blessed I am! 🦋❤️

I’m on my way. I’m on my way.
Home Sweet Home.
–Motley Crue

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