Travis Mayfield began his interview with me this morning by saying, "This next story already has me in tears." But what he didn't know was yesterday, in preparation for my interview with him, I googled him and I was the one in tears. This is not something I have ever done with anyone who has interviewed me for the news, but something urged me to type his name into my computer last night. What stared back at me broke my heart. The article was titled: "Grieving Q13 News reporter Travis Mayfield shares moving tribute of love after toddler son's swift, tragic death." I know I tell you how emotional this journey has been for me, that I spent a lot of the beginning crying alone in my car as I drove from one story to the next. I keep thinking, as I continue to make my way through the country, that it will get easier. I'll get better at controlling my emotions. (And I have!) I have gotten better at processing. But last night, I sat in front of my computer watching the story on Travis and his family and sobbed. There was one part of his personal interview about his son that I really wanted to share with you today: "We are determined to keep putting one foot in front of the other even if we cannot see where each step will land, or whether we even have the strength to stand as our footsteps fall. We do it because we believe there is a path forward. We believe that we must move forward so we do not forget how to move forward. So that someday, when we can see a glimmer of light illuminating anything in front of us, we will be able to move toward it." His words hit me hard when I read them, because I know that light. That glimmer of light he mentions at the end - it's real. I've been driving towards it since October 29. I've seen it in hundreds of broken hearts across the country. I saw it in Travis. A man who had his life shattered, and still has the courage to get up every day, put a smile on his face, and go out of his way to share some positive news with the rest of the country. HE epitomizes my mission. Thank you for sharing my story, Travis. 💫 #moregood in #seattle #tellmeyourstory #🚙 #roadtrip #washingtonstate #overhalfway across #theusa ✌🏻#inspiration (at Seattle, Washington)
