A Cottage, a Lettuce Farm, and a Whole Lot of Kindness

My alarm rang at 5am. I packed my things and headed for breakfast at the hotel. I figured I might as well get some calories in—there were a lot of miles ahead. I sat there with a waffle, a dry biscuit, some yogurt, a muffin, and my usual cold instant coffee when Jay, the night shift guy at the hotel, struck up a conversation. It was 5:30am, so at first I wasn’t quite ready for full-on energy, but Jay’s enthusiasm was contagious. He was genuinely excited about my run and told a regular guest about my project too. When I left the hotel in the dark, we snapped a photo together. Jay was a bright, positive spirit to start the day with.

Just after 6am, it was still cool and quiet outside. I strapped my headlamp on backward so traffic could see me in the dark and made my way through Parsons. Around mile 7, I reached Highway 400 and followed it west all the way to Fredonia. The wide shoulder and light traffic made for a peaceful and steady run.

At mile 20, a car pulled over. Shawn, the driver, asked if I needed water. I was okay, but since he offered, I accepted—hydration is always a good idea. About six miles later, Shawn returned, this time with his wife Bianca. They brought me electrolyte drinks and snacks and offered any help I needed. Their kindness meant a lot. Moments like these carry me farther than any fuel ever could.

By 3:30pm, I arrived at the Cottage House in Fredonia. It had been generously arranged for me by Donna and Ed, who connected me with Starla and Vaughn. What a gift. As I turned into the driveway, Starla arrived at the same time, warmly welcoming me and helping me settle in. She even invited me to join her family for dinner and a lettuce farm visit later that evening.

After two hours of rest—shower, elevated legs, a little computer work—Rosmarie, Vaughn’s mother, came to pick me up. We drove to their charming farmhouse, where I met Vaughn, Starla, their kids Winston and Autumn, and their friend Pandy, plus some adorable kittens and Gino, the world's friendliest dog.

Pandy prepared Thai food, and we had fresh salad and grilled veggies—a dream dinner. Afterward, they showed me their lettuce farm, from growing to storage and delivery. It’s an incredibly thoughtful, sustainable operation, and I loved every part of seeing it.

Then came a first for me: I pitched baseballs for Winston and Autumn! Watching them hit and run, surrounded by laughter and warm evening air, was pure joy. We even went on a little tour of Fredonia—me sandwiched in the backseat between two wonderful kids, feeling completely at home.

Eventually, they dropped me off back at the cottage. I sat inside with a full heart, a happy belly, and a deep sense of gratitude.

Thank you, Starla and Vaughn. Thank you, Rosmarie, Pandy, Winston, and Autumn. Thank you, Jay, Shawn, and Bianca. You made Day 116 one to remember.

Now… I’ll get ready for tomorrow. Onward through Kansas, one step at a time.

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