Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army Veteran Jack Keller, Age 72 of Crawfordsville, IN.
Died Mar. 15, 2007
My Mother Evelyn Keller, Age 86 of Crossville, TN.
Died Jan. 31, 2024
Jack was my stepfather. He served in the Army in 1959 in the 82nd Airborn Div. He was a big Ham radio operator and he liked to make things out of wood. He also liked to fly radio controlled airplanes.
He helped me get into Ham Radio years ago. We really didn’t get along well when I was little. I just didn’t understand and I wouldn’t give him a chance. But later after I grew up we got along very well. I enjoyed my visits with my Step Father and my Mother.
I moved my mother to Crossville about 12 years ago. She had a lot of health issues but she never gave up. She was a fighter and I was very proud of her. I never got to spend much time with mother growing up. But we made up for all the lost years in these last 12 years that she was with us. It was very hard seeing her health go down hill but taking care of my mother was something I will cherish the rest of my life. I would not have changed a thing.
What a beautiful day for our walk. We had an amazing 17.25 Mile walk. We walked Sparta Drive and then went down West Ave. and then made a stop at the War Memorial Park. We then headed down East 1st street and crossed over to 70 East. We headed towards Black Mountain. It was going great. We got about 14 miles into the walk and then we reached the base of Black Mountain. It was all up hill from their. The next 2 1/2 miles were the hardest I think I have ever walked. But once we got to the top, it was all worth it. Just before I reached the top three of my granddaughters walked with me to the top. It was great having family their. I want to thank my daughter Jamie and Carl , and my friend Robert for walking with us. It was great having my other daughter Joedie , Brad and my three granddaughters Brooke, Brylee, and Sadie their and granddaughter Amber and great granddaughter Aubrie their. We all walked out to the overlook and spent some time and then I walked over to the edge and let the wind carry mothers ashes off. It was a good feeling. I was hurting but at that moment it was all worth it. This is what mother would have wanted and I am sure she was looking down and had a smile on her face. This is a day that I will never ever forget.
I also want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted today in helping us honor my mother and stepfather. We had 163 honks. It was amazing. Thank you.
