To post on the guestbook, send Linda words of encouragement at llosey@aol.com

If you have immediate questions or concerns, email my webmaster and daughter at closey@umd.edu

Hi Linda -

We trust this email will find you riding high - You touched our lives and we just need to know how you are - sorry but after getting to know you we feel so blessed - I will send another email later to put our week-end in words ... but it was last Friday night that we met - and I have been thinking and praying for you - just a quick word will be ok with me - where are you and how are you?

Your friends from Indiana Ron and Mary Ann Haendiges        

We are here if we can help! PS - I really did not try to steal your drawers!  Remember me know?

Linda,

It was a pleasure to meet you and your horses along Route 1 in Indiana last week.  My friend and I were having lunch in the little park near Lawrenceburg with the covered bridge when you came by.  Not being aware of your story, we just talked for a while, but when I got home and looked you up on the internet, I was amazed by what you are doing.  I'm still trying to imagine what life must be like for you on the trail and have to say you are amazing to be able to do what you are doing.  What a wonderful tribute to your son.  Good luck with the rest of your journey.

Fran

Hello Linda, I just read an article about your ride in the local news paper and surfed to your web site. It's great you have the ability to pursue this quest to help find peace with your loss. I wish you safety and success with each day. God bless you always.

Mark, Lawrenceburg, IN

Linda, just read your story.  It was sent to me from a friend in my internet support group (Hoofbeats-in-heaven, it's for people who have lost their "furkids").  She actually met you on the highway.  You are so amazing.  I have forwarded your story on to 10 of my closest horse friends and hopefully they will pass it along to 10 others.  You will have a chain of warmth and support in South Carolina.  I can't imagine your grief, I am the mother of an only son (2 years old now) and am so sorry for your loss.  I loved my Bobbie (horse) dearly, but had no idea of the true depth and meaning of love until I had Brett.  The emotions are quite overwhelming somedays.

Please know that you have so much support in your journey, both physical and emotional.  You have so much strength.  God is blessing you in so many ways.  You must have a wonderful family also, as I am sure that this is tough for them too.  Please stay safe and take care of those babies out on the rode with you!! 

Thoughts and prayers!!! Lori in South Carolina

Dear Linda,

How encouraging! I saw you riding on Rt.32 on Sept.26, only then I just thought you were a local rider. I didnt know until I recieved our Brown Co. press newspaper . We are also "horse people." We live next to East Fork State Park,as our neighborhood we all own horses,and I have for nearly 60 years. If anyone of us would have known about your wonderful trek we would have been most happy to give you a place to stay, a meal or anything that we could have done for you.We wish you the Best and God be with you ! You,Sam,Rocky and Val. are in our prayers!

Arnold & Rhonda -Vencil & Dolly

Hello, Linda, we just saw you off from Corydon.  It was a marvelous honor to have met you and spent some time with you, Rocky and Val.  We know this is a life experience that few ever have the pleasure to experience.  We wish you well and consider you and your family 'family.'  God Bless as He already has.  We will be watching your progress and praying for you and your friends. 

Ron and Mary Ann, Harrison County (Corydon), Indiana. 

Just read, for the first time, of your journey. An article appeared in the St.Louis Post-Dispatch.  "I love horses" from afar, as many of us do. I view myself as strong and resilient and having a bit of a sense of adventure. What you are doing is so far beyond what we dreamers dream that I am in awe and I envy you! Not the reason for your ride, that's way too painful for any mother to endure. I am sure, however, that you have met your son many times on your journey. He's there with you and you are sharing him in a way that could not have been done in any other way.  You were both lucky to have each other. Carry on... I am sending a small check to help in your expenses, but use it in any way you like!

Kathleen
Creve Coeur MO

Linda,

Just wanted you to know that we enjoyed having you stay with us one night during your "long" journey.  Hope your mare is doing well and that your gelding will be with you Sunday as you said.  Please keep in touch with us as you continue your trek across this great country of ours.  Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Mary & Harold

Hi Linda,

Your visit sure made my friend, Jo's, week. She and Dantu returned home safe and sound and she is gushing over with happiness on meeting you and telling me how she wished she had your courage. I guarantee you she would have loved to travel with you further. I wish you had had the time to come visit when you were here, I had banana nut bread just waiting to be shared with a hot cup of coffee, but I understand the reason why you couldn't. Seriously, I wish you god speed in your trip. Today (Sept. 1st) marks the 5th anniversary of our granddaughter's death in a car accident, so in a way, we are kindred spirits in keeping memories alive. Sam looks like a beautiful boy anyone would be proud to claim for a son. May your upcoming road days be full of laughter, a gentle breeze to keep you cool in these early fall days, yet enough warmth to keep you comfortable. I will be keeping watch on your web site. You will be in our prayers as you travel to your last destination on your trip. God bless and keep you safe,

Sue

Linda,

This Sunday morning I heard your interview, learned of your web site, and enjoyed your tribute song to Sammy on WIBW radio station of Topeka . Your picture was in our local paper, Council Grove Republican, a week ago, but unfortunately, I did not know of your visit here in time to meet you. I hope your ride through the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas proved a pleasure. This web site is easy to navigate and full of interesting information. I will follow your journey and hold you in my thoughts.

Nancy

Kansas

Linda

I read your site with interest and envy. I have yet to start my own.<smile> Looks like you are nearly halfway, according to the map. Of course I know myself, that maps often don't tell it, like it is. Reading your diary, your travels sound absolutely fabulous. Incredible and wonderful, that you can share all these things with a world wide audience! <Smile> I will continue to pop in from time to time.

I haven't personally lost a child, that I have given birth to. However, to some extent, I do share your pain. I have a medical condition, and was unable to carry a child that I so desperately wanted. I guess I was never meant to have more than two children! <sad smile> I am content with them and the wonderful people they are turning out to be. But a part of me will always have pain for the child whom I lost.

May the rest of your journey be as wonderful, challenging and rewarding as the journey so far. Blessings. Cheers...................Helen

Dear Linda, 

I have to say after meeting you in Ramona, KS that you have to be one of the strongest women I have ever met.  You have had many challanges along the trail but you keep going.  I have talked to people in Ramona, Burdick, Wilsey, Council Grove and Allen and they all would love to her the stories that you tell.  I was so glad that I could help you move you packs and gear to help the horses recover from there saddle sores and cuts.  If you need anything along the trail you can always call and somehow between the National Guard Units you will pass and the truckers that we sent the messages to, they are all glad to step up and help.  You will be in our prayers and we hope that you make it home safe.  I hope to meet with you again after the ride to hear all the stories and interesting people that you meet on the way. 

Tonya

Linda -

Very few people have touched my life like you did.  I still get emotional every time I think about you and what you are doing.  I wish we would have had more time to spend together.  We pray that all goes well with the rest of your journey.  God bless you!

Susie

Hi, Linda:

I just checked out where you are in this great journey you have embarked upon and see that you are already into Kansas!  Amazing!  Seems only yesterday that you were here in Raton, NM.  Everyone from here who met you was very glad to have had the opportunity to do so.  They were so impressed with what you were doing and they all liked your being just one of us - as if we had known you for years.  I know June 22, anniversary of losing Sammy, was a difficult day for you and I also know that God and His angels are watching out for you in all ways.  Bless your mare Val who has had some problems with the sore withers and the barb wire cut.  Hope she is healed up by now and hope your other horse is faring well. I wish for you that the rest of your journey will be blessed with more great and wonderful people and that you continue to see and enjoy all that nature has to offer.  Give both of your horses a hug and kiss as they truly are two of your best friends and companions!

May God give you enough rainbows!  From another Linda you met along the way of your special journey.

Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and trying to keep track of your journey.  We feel very fortunate that we were able to meet you, Val, and Rocky.  We know we would have loved meeting Sam too.  You are taking a little bit of all of us on your journey with you!  God bless you and your crew!

Sara B.

Garden City, KS

Dear Linda-

Thank you for welcoming US into your story--and your life. I think you are an incredible woman--with incredible spirit--------

I know you will always be so glad you continued your and Sam's plans to make this journey----------I believe he is riding with you---------you can feel him in the breeze and the warmth upon your face---------he is so proud of you for going on!!!!!!!!!

I hope you will stay in touch---------------I wish I could ride ahead------and make arrangements for you----------------

Please know---------that if you need anything--------I am a phone call away-------------------somehow--------------Garden City-----------would help you-------------

Take care------------------

Leslie

Garden City, KS

Dear Linda,

    I thank you for stopping by in Holcomb , KS . You are a great inspiration to me and all of Miles of Smiles. I hope you have a safe journey with no accidents. I hope that the flies leave you alone as soon as you get out of Kansas . You are a really special person. May God bless you and give you strength. Thank you.

Amanda

Hi, Linda:

I'm Navajo from Fort Defiance, Arizona.  Some time ago you passed through Navajoland (Window Rock).  I just wanted tell you that I am so amazed at what you are doing and I have been following your trip through your webpage.  I just wanted to wish you well and May God Bless you abundantly!

Delphine Kewanwytewa

I read about your journey in the Garden City Telegram and picked up the Web address. God Bless you on your journey and your healing time.  What an awesome tribute to Sam, who sounded like a special kid. Praying that your trip will be safe and all you want it to be.          

Sue

Sublette , Kansas

We got back from our New Mexico trip today and have already told your story to a number of people. We will be following your progress across the country and supporting you all the way. I will have to figure out how to negotiate the web page to hopefully, see some of the previous entries.  Sharing the campfire, hot chocolate and cookies with you and Jerry was a fascinating highlight of our little trip. Wishing you, Val, and Rocky all the best.                                                                       Patt & Rick

Dear Linda,

May the journey be swift with the wind at your back and Sam's love in your heart.  I will continue to follow your route and adventures. I will hold you in my thoughts throughout.

Safe journey,

Phoebe
Santa Fe

A comment from one of the readers of the Free New Mexican News article:

There is an Irish Toast that says: "May your home always be too small to hold all your friends". I hope this is how Ms. Losey feels when she leaves the Land of Enchantment. I know her son would be proud of his Mother.

Rachel

So sorry I missed you and your travels past our humble abode off of North 14 , Turquoise Trail in Cedar Crest.  We could have taken you in as we have a spare room.  But alas, I didn't know of your trip and journey until now!    We are dislocated folks from the East Coast (NY and CT) and now live in NM.   We love it here and totally enjoyed your descriptions of this great land!  Keep your spirits high and enjoy the journey! 

Fondly,

Rich and Donna
(Abe) "Lincoln on Leadership" Warner Books By Donald T. Phillips   
"Do your very best you know how - the very best you can - and keep doing so until the end."

Linda-

Our family was extremely blessed and fortunate to have you pass through our lives.  I am still pondering the irony of how you ended up at my parents house.  I firmly believe that Sam was trying to connect to you through Jacob.  He was successful and I am so happy that my son was able to bring back some good memories of the adventures you had with Sam.  I think that it was Sam's way of letting you know that it is okay to let go of him physically but keep those great times you had with him in your heart for ever.  Jacob, like Sam, is a special boy and has a healing way about him and I am convinced that is why God detoured your route and directed you to our family.  I think every mother dreads ever having to deal with what you have faced, but you have surpassed the misfortune and proven that a mother is and has to be strong for their children no matter what the circumstances are. Once again, I wish you the best and as a mother I admire you and what you're doing.   Our prayers are with you during the remainder of your journey and we hope you visit us in the future.

Shawndai

P.S. Jacob says hello!!! :)

As a Mom, in the land of the free and the brave, you can set yourself to do anything you have a mind and will to do. Your power comes from within. You also have an angel looking after you. Best wishes and warm flow....

Deborah

Hi there girl!

Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed having you in our family.  You were such a ray of sunshine, with you great smile and great personality.  You totally inspired us with your dedication to your beloved Sammy.  It was also great the connection you had with Dalaney.

We feel so blessed to have been apart of your journey and the fact that we could help made us feel so connected. Hope your journey is going well.  Keep following your dreams. Please stay in touch. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you now and forever.

Love,

Cheryl and Mike

Lake Havasu

Hi Linda!

My dad was wondering where you are by now? We just wanted to say Hello! and enjoy your journey. I saw the photo of you and Mr. Ram Herder on the American Discovery website. I will tell my relatives to look into that. I think that is beautiful. I will email to you again in two weeks. May God Bless You Always.

Helen

What a metaphor for our pilgrimage of life...and what a heart-breaking beginning and yet a wonderful memorial to Sam and your other children.

Have a safe and joyful journey, and may you feel Sam's presence in your heart always, uplifting and connecting you to the source of all Beauty, Dignity, Peace, Love,and Light.

Peace and Blessings,

Aminah

Hello Linda -

I am very proud of what you are doing.  Good luck on your long journey.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Chris

Dearest Linda,

First of all I would like to commend you on your strength to carry out your son's wishes.  Secondly, I would like to wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!  I know it may be hard for you on this day as it will be your first Mother's Day without your son Sam's presence, but he is with you in spirit.  I wish you the best of luck with your prosperous journey. 

My husband and I were traveling in the area yesterday and had seen you and your horses riding east of Window Rock, Arizona.  I was not aware at the time of who you were and what your purpose of traveling through the Navajo Nation was.  Now I know and I am happy that I am one of the many who have you seen you ride on your expedition.

We wish you well and wish you luck.  You are definately a strong, hearted woman who I have confidence in to complete your journey.  From the Office of Miss Navajo Nation...Good Luck and let us know how your expedition turns out.  We would love to hear your story and invite you back to Window Rock, Arizona - the Navajo Nation, to tell your story to our Navajo (Dine') Women.

May you walk in beauty.....

Tanya

We met you at the Drye's, Twin Arrows, in Flagstaff .  My heart goes out to you as you heal from the loss of your son.  We, too, lost one of our sons at the age of 10.  Kevin was born Feb. 1970 and died in a car accident, July 1980.  As the years go by the pain will dull, but never goes away completely.  Sam will always be with you in your heart.  And when you least expect it, he will pass by to let you know he is okay and that he still cares about you and loves you.  It will be like "Hi, Mom" and then be gone.  But you will know and feel his presence.  We wish you the very best and we will keep you in our prayers.

Grace and Andy

I've followed your family story since Sam died (I live in the Sparks-Monkton area) and my heart goes out to all of you. How do I know-because I, too, have lost a child; my oldest daughter was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 19, so I know your pain from experience. The pain never goes away but does ease with time. When my daughter died, somebody told me "it has to hurt more before it can hurt less" and I didn't understand what was meant but I do now. You, too, will be okay!! Good luck to you, please be careful and we both know you have a special guardian angel guiding you along the way.

Good luck - lpd

I am a friend of Chris and Troy who live in Lake Havasu .  I was told they had the pleasure of meeting you and they enjoyed your stay.  I wish you much success on your journey.  My prayers are with you and your horses.

Candy

I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you through your entire journey. I have never met you, however, I know your story from friends in the community and read about your trip in the North County News.

I was so excited to see another article today stating you are well on your way, and giving us an update that Peter is home now.

I just felt compelled to let you know that as a Mom, woman, and Northern Baltimore Resident I am cheering you on! When your spirits are down or you feel overwhelmed just keep in mind: You are doing something extraordinary!

I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers....and remember you are not alone, God is with you every step of the way. Plus you have your own personal little angel riding right along with you!

Tammy

My daughter McKenna and I met you as we were preparing for a trail ride with Sandra.  We were inspired by your spirit, energy and enthusiasm.  We will add you to our prayers and we wish you a safe and inspired journey!

Cris and McKenna

I have faith as a mother that you can fulfill Sam's dream. Mothers seem to have an inner strength and devotion. Last night at 10:00pm I was reading the North County News and saw the article with the website. I didn't care how late it was, I had to call my sister. I told her of the site so she could keep up with you. My sister is Kim and she told me that if anyone can do this that you can. I will be with you throughout your journey. My thoughts and my prayers are with you.

Love,
Beth
Monkton 

Gregory was in Scouts with Sam a few years ago in Den 7.  We read your article in the North County News and thought it was a wonderful idea.  We all wish you luck and know you will make it all of the way.  With such a driving force how can you not?

The Brinker Family

I'm going to pray everyday for you to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Bledon1

What an incredible story...which really is still in its beginning stages.....I think it is great what you are doing in Sam's memory and I know it was not an easy decision especially having to leave your other children, but what a lesson you are teaching them in your perseverance and tackling each obstacle as it unfolds. I remember reading of Sam's tragic accident in the North County News and was heartbroken for all of you. I am sure not a minute goes by that he is not in your thoughts and now he is riding on "Pegasus" next to you with his wings guiding you and protecting you.  Good luck and I will check periodically on your journals.

Stephanie

Hereford , Md

We had a very fun, chance encounter with Linda on her cross country trail last week when she and local horse lady Sandra Thorpe showed up at our "Desert Star Ranch" while looking for a trail to follow across our area of desert. That's Linda and Sandra standing on the $7,500,000 Ethanol "Still" abandoned at our site in 1987. You can stumble across the strangest things in the desert! Perhaps we can name part of the Borrego trail after Sam. Linda was in good health and spirits as she listened to the history of this site. Sadly the solar "farm" and Still were a total bust...although a good idea! Where is Linda now?

Good luck,

Stuart and Bonnie