thanks guys!! im just doing what i hope anyone would do for their own mother. i know as a teenager, im not sure that i would be able to handle all of this. i probably would have been more disconnected. im thankful that i am capable of doing everything possible to help.

in other news - my stepdad left NC yesterday morning and is now only 2 1/2 hours away!! he stopped at a rest stop last night and slept for about 5 hours and got back on the road. its a 19 hour trip from home. he's a man on a mission!

i also have a blog where ive been documenting our journey, if youd like to follow its at http://erthy-e.tumblr.com/