Day 12 - Wardell, MO - Part One

"All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it." - Samuel Johnson

Day 12 - Sikeston, MO to Wardell, MO - Daily Distance - 47 miles - The Bucket Trip Distance - 2237 miles

For a disease that has been around for 143 years, there is so much more that we DON'T know about ALS that what we do know.

10% of the people that get this disease have a version that is passed down through families.

A genetic defect that takes members of a family out like a bowling ball takes out bowling pins.

For the other 90%, there is no absolute reason why.

There ARE some groups that have been at a greater risk than others.

U.S. veterans are twice as likely than the civilian population to contract ALS.

People that grew up on farms or other areas that used the pesticide, 2-4D, have also been more likely to get this disease.

My Mom lived on a farm until she was 11.

Two other people that lived in the same area have also been diagnosed with ALS.

Maybe not enough people to classify it as an "ALS Cluster" but it is enough to give you pause.

Today, "The Kids" and I are heading to see the farm where she grew up.

Typically, it is about 11:00 a.m. before they are ready to go. Today, we start our day by going to Lambert's (Home of the Throwed Roll). They weren't here yesterday with Claudette while I was in Marceline.

Lambert's can only work in an area like this. If you had a restaurant like this in Southern California, nobody would believe it. It wouldn't be genuine.

The location itself is HUGE and there is not one inch of visible wall space. Licenses plates are EVERYWHERE. There is a mix of country and southern rock playing in the background. The place has just opened but the energy in the places is already building. Dozens of conversations are all blending in together to create blanket of sound that rises above the background music.

The people that work here are all charming. They all wear jeans an a collared shirt with red bow ties and suspenders.

Our server takes our order while the other workers come around to pass out the extra side dishes.

There is one that is passing out macaroni and tomatoes that is just beyond cute. Long blonde hair. A perfect smile that will be breaking hearts for the next 10 years. A sing song voice that sounds like came out of central casting for a country movie.

I'd eat anything that she puts on my plate.

There is one other person working there. Circling the restaurant. Looking for his next victim.

The roll thrower.

He pushes a cart but he doesn't look where he's going.

He's eyes are hunting for that next person that wants a roll.

For most, he will lob a roll underhanded to both older or younger guests.

But he is looking for that patron that he can launch a bomb at.

He sees me from across the restaurant.

I raise my hand.

Target acquired.

He launches a role from about 45 feet away.

I'm in a booth so my mobility is limited.

The roll sails a bit to my left.

I raise my hand.

The roll goes off of my hand, hits me in the side of the head, and bounces over to the next booth.

The roll thrower shakes his head in disgust.