Stories of Gumption is a regular column that profiles individuals who admirably demonstrate Gumption as we define it. These are the stories of real people who exhibit gumption in overcoming personal challenges, and validate the spirit of Gumption during their journey. Let’s take inspiration from those who seize 100% personal responsibility and show us how to live a life that exhibits Gump-like character traits worthy of applause!
During Christmas week I was gumping in Monterey at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. A grandmotherly looking woman approached with her husband, some family members, and other friends. We had a normal interaction as group pictures were taken, good-natured jokes exchanged, and lots of smiles and laughter lightened the day.
As the assemblage started to wind down, this same woman approached, looking as if she wanted to share something personal. She said, “A lot of people compare me to Forrest Gump.” Now I’ve heard thousands of Gump stories in my fifteen years portraying Forrest, so I raised an eyebrow as if to prompt her, ‘Go on with your story.’ She proclaimed, “People say I’m like Forrest Gump because I walked all the way across America.”
From Blaine, Washington, to Key West, Florida: 4,026.5 miles. One year, two months, eleven days, and six hours!
Now I’m frequently amused by people’s stories … but rarely does a story launch me off the bench and make me plead, “May I share your walk in my Stories of Gumption blog series?” She graciously consented.
Here is Lyn Hanush’s Putting a Face On America, The Great American Journey – the journey of three women who walked across America.
