I left Lebanon this morning and headed east on Route 36 toward Kansas City. Lebanon is not exactly close to a major airport; Kansas City International is just over four hours away. The route is basically a straight line. At one point the GPS said something like, “Go 150 miles, then turn left.”
Plenty of time to think.
I have driven a lot this year. I have thought even more.
I was thinking about my Dad and some conversations we had over the years. One in particular was something I had planned to focus his eulogy around, but I chose not to just hours before delivering it. It was too personal for the moment it was going to be shared, but it has stayed with me.
The short version is that I was not in a good place mentally when I was 18, and my Dad helped me.
As I was thinking about that exact conversation, I passed the man in these photos. All I caught as I drove by were the words MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH.
I turned around. Then managed to pass him again, so I turned around one more time and finally stopped.
Joshua, aka Enkibee, and his Australian Shepherd, Ninma, are walking across the United States to raise awareness for men’s mental health. They started in Plainfield, Indiana, and are heading west toward Oregon. Joshua pushes a cart carrying everything they need, including solar power that allows him to livestream the journey and connect with people along the way.
His sign reads, “Your voice can heal what silence conceals.”
We spent some time talking on the side of Route 36. He is a passionate, honest young man trying to make a difference one step at a time. I got to pat and play with Ninma during the talk too.
Traffic coming at you is intimidating and it was hot just standing there talking with him for a little while. I can’t imagine walking mile after mile, day after day, pushing that cart.
The timing of meeting him, considering exactly what had been on my mind minutes earlier, was surreal.
It was great meeting Joshua and Ninma. I told him I would share his story and help get some more eyes on what he is doing.
http://www.youtube.com/@enki2gold
Support the walk: Search “Enkibee” on GoFundMe
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