| Looking for Adventure? Read their adventures, incentives, and challenges in the book: Challenging the Road Ahead How two troubled teenagers, married at the ages of 16 and 17, journeyed through accomplishments, failures, and challenges to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime. by Dorothy J. Martin Book available at: www.AuthorHouse.com AuthorHouse (800) 839-864 www.Barnes & Noble.com www.Amazon.com Or a bookstore near you. Published by AuthorHouse ISBN: 1-4208-7460-8 (sc) |
| About the Book |
unusual way. Starting in their North Dallas suburb, they WALKED 1000 miles in 100 days to the town of Akron, Indiana, where they said their vows on July 4th, 50 years earlier. But before making the walk, there were some personal obstacles to overcome. They were both over 65; he was waging war with a disabling arthritis that had plagued him for nearly 40 years and she worked at a desk most of the time. Neither was prepared for the walk of a lifetime. But with faith, friends, and changing some life-habits, they not only challenged the road ahead of them but altered the course of their future. Along the way, they made some surprising discoveries, met new friends, and found the heart of America’s heartland. Now, they share some of the adventure, some of the startling truths about health management, and encourage others to Challenge the Road Ahead of them. |
| Preview |
... However, we had one loyal relative who kept up with us and e-mailed us often, our grandson Caleb Riner. I think he thought we were celebrities when he went to PreviewOnLine to find the rating of one of the movies he wanted to see and saw our picture and story on the website. (Remember, Preview is one of the companies I worked for prior to our journey.) I think Caleb, at the age of thirteen, could still see us as he sees himself. If he wants to do something, he will get it done, one way or another. It wasn’t long until we realized that our religiously followed training of walking through the malls (a great place for winter exercise) had not really given our aging bodies the physical training they needed for the “small” hills and the head winds that we faced on our outdoor hike. However, it gave us a great start and the remainder of the training we needed, we accomplished on the road. As I climbed those hills, I found myself gripping with my toes as I pushed forward. I guess all those barefoot days of my childhood pressed themselves back into my being. Leaning into the turbulent wind, pushing forward with each step, caused my calves to moan, but our spirits were shouting with anticipation of discovery. On the afternoon of March 19, Ron and I were walking up Texoma (Old Highway 75) in Sherman, Texas. My body was crying for a rest, I think we had walked about nine miles by that time. Ron, however, is like the Energizer Bunny©. Our kids will remember what it was like if you needed a break while traveling. Well, it hadn’t changed. Finally, I convinced him that a Chinese restaurant across the street would probably be a good place for a bathroom break, a glass of water, and maybe a couple of egg rolls. As we entered the door, we were met by a gentleman who said that they were closed. Oh, well, Applebee’s was next door. My only preference for the Chinese restaurant was because it was closer. The sooner I could get my taxing burden off my feet and onto my shrinking posterior, the more satisfied I was going to be. Ron showed none of the struggles and fatigue that I felt. I think he had pushed himself through the stiffness and pain of arthritis for so many years that walking ten or fifteen miles through the hills and wind, without pain, for him, was like taking candy from a baby. But let me be the first to tell you, that I would have died before I would have let him complete that walk without me. |
| About the Author |
Indiana. There she spent the first 57 years of her life before moving to Texas. In 1954, at the age of 16, she married Ronald Martin, who was 17 years old. Dorothy had continued her education after becoming a high-school drop-out. She received licenses in cosmetology and real estate and studied accounting to prepare for the bookkeeping and tax needs associated with her husband’s service station business. However, it was not until she was 58 years old that she made the decision she was not going to complete one more job application, stating that she had not finished high school. Immediately she fulfilled that promise by going to the library, checking out the GED manual, and after studying the contents, tested for, and successfully passed the exam. In 2004 Dorothy, with her husband Ron, walked from Dallas, Texas, to Akron, Indiana. This challenge was made to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary after Ron had overcome a disabling bout with arthritis. To keep friends and relatives abreast of their whereabouts and well-being, a website was created. It was after the prodding from readers of the “website diary” that Dorothy agreed to write her first book titled Challenging the Road Ahead. Dorothy is quoted, “If you are harboring a passion inside but feel incapable of completing the task, find someone who knows what you lack and let them help complete your “shortfall” areas; dare to seek and pilot your destiny.” Dorothy’s recent work as a bookkeeper for a non-profit Christian film review magazine, among other clients, brought her in contact with writers, editors, and fund-raising entrepreneurs who helped shape her dream of sharing her unique vision with others. |
| Challenging the Road Ahead |
| CHALLENGING THE ROAD AHEAD |
| By Dorothy J. Martin |
Their challenge was to walk 1000 miles from Dallas, TX.
to Akron, IN. to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary
after a 40 year battle with disabling arthritis.
to Akron, IN. to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary
after a 40 year battle with disabling arthritis.
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