The week is coming to an end and I have some of the best news I've heard thus far.  The Minnesota Miracle has received a donation of $5,000 from the Minnesota Nursing Association!  I want to thank each and every member on their Board of Directors for the decision to come on board with such strength.  We take it for granted that they'll give us their best when we're sick or hurt.  I'll never take the compassion in their hearts for granted.  And thank them so deeply for their contribution to make Minnesota hunger free in 2014.
  On another note, I lost someone I thought was a friend today. Someone in a position to make the Minnesota Miracle more of a reality than others.  It's because of my stupidity in making a comment that I shouldn't have.  Just wanted to say I'm human and an old man trying to do his best!

I hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend and remembered all of those that gave to allow us the freedom we share!  Last week I had the privilege of presenting myself and project to the members of Local 454 in Virginia.  I want to thank Ida for the warm reception and to all that attended the meeting.  I impressed on those I spoke with that we have a state wide need for food and asked all to join me in 2014 to help end that need.  Because Virginia is just off Hwy 53 which I'll be walking down from International Falls, I asked the town to come on board and allow me to walk some blocks with the school children and parents and everyone that would like to join in when I'm coming through.  I hope they share in the idea! 
  This week I'm going to speak with Second Harvest Heartland about arranging time to speak with a couple of the professional athletes.  I'm hoping to find one of them that would take on the project personally and bring all of those "stars" that fill our lives with their talents on board in 2014.  And I'm going to speak with the "Teamsters" as well.  So even though the weather may not cooperate, I'm not delivering mail this week so it just doesn't matter.  I'm only hoping to find open hearts with those with which I'm allowed to speak!  Stay tuned ~~

  Today was a good day!  I had the privilege of speaking with the Board of Directors for the Nursing Association this morning.  I'll have to say I felt a warmth in the room that put my trust in every nurse.  These individuals are so encompassed with the compassion in their hearts.  And they have the knowledge as well.  How blessed are "we" that depend on them!  And it's that warmth I felt when I spoke of what I'm trying to accomplish.  With each statement that came out of my mouth I looked into their eyes and just knew they felt as I do.  I've asked for their guidance and support for my travels throughout the state and believe they'll give what they can.  Something else they always do.  I'd like to thank Julie for making today something that's given more strength in my fight to feed Minnesota. 

  I got home yesterday after 2 days on the road.  I was in International Falls on Wednesday and found that there's a battle there because of the loss of 300 jobs.  The entire town has a concern about its' future.  I spoke with the District Council and the Union members and was received with an enthusiasm and support that made me proud.  My walk for the Minnesota Miracle begins there and they guaranteed to send me off with their support and pledges.  Emily, an editor for the "Journal" placed her story about the Minnesota Miracle in the newspaper on Saturday.  I'm appreciative for the reception I received and their endorsement of support.  My prayers go out that they find solutions with the battles they face.
  On Thursday I was in Duluth and anxious to speak my brothers and sisters in solidarity.  I met with Shaye Moris, CEO for Second Harvest, and once again was received with an open heart!  They've offered any help necessary in the coming months in support of the walk.  When speaking with the union representatives that evening, chaired by Dan O'Neill, I was met with an enthusiasm that compared to speaking with the Minneapolis Unions earlier in the month.  100% support from all that were present.  I thank all that I spoke with while in Duluth for coming on board with their support.  It puts the number of individuals on board to make Minnesota hunger free in 2014
at about 400,000 now.  But we've just begun.  When trying to reach all of Minnesota that truly believes this endeovor can eliminate the hunger in our state, I've got thousands to reach over the coming months.  So stay tuned ~~!
  Duluth will be the half way mark on my walk and it'll take 3 days to get through the town.  They've promised to designate one of those days to bring the town together and make it something to remember with this effort!

I'm looking forward to this coming week.  Due to the snowfall in Duluth on April 11, they had to rescedule my presentation for May 9th.  I'll be speaking with the Labor Assembly there along with those connected with Second Harvest Heartland.  Because of the dire need in Duluth I expect complete support of the Minnesota Miracle.  And Duluth will mark the half way mark on my walk from International Falls to the Twin Cities. 
  On another note.  I'm a bit saddened with the on line donations.  I understand that it's only been up and running for a couple of weeks but I've told so many about the option to donate on line and none have done so.  And many are those I call friends.  But I'm a patient man and the friendships are eternal.