Following the staff into town, after we pushed the last 5 miles.  We

galloped or trotted the whole way.  This is where we will eat dinner and sleep in the community center.  Later tonight the mayor is bringing bbq.

I’m not as sore as I feared, but at times raw emotions flare up.  Between feeling unjustified honor and welcome, and then overwhelming, and well deserved, shame and sorrow.

Someday this will find words and someday the seeds will take root and bear fruit.  But first we must be willing to do the hard work of allowing the fruit we hold tightly, thbe used as seed so future generations can eat something besides bitter grapes.