Today wasn't the best day for me. I lost my mother about a year ago. It was the hardest event of my life and the deepest pain I had ever felt. This trip is the first time I've been away from the people who love me back home.

I feel alone. I feel unwanted kind of. Not that my fellow passengers are doing anything to make me feel this way. I just do. Today, I was able meet several people who are also on the autism spectrum. I was able to sit down and talk with them about growing up with autism. Those were 4 of the sweetest souls had ever met. I felt the closest connection with TJ and Madison. TJ has an amazing knowledge of public safety and rail vehicles. TJ struggles with people taking advantage of him- something that I also struggle with, and Madison finds obstacles in maintaining a healthy adult relationship. Meeting them was one of the best moments of this trip.

The day wasn't a very full day. We had our usual family meal times but Today was an opportunity to kind of branch away from the group and be on your own.

We just rolled out of Minnesota and we're about to be on this bad boy for 25 hours. - most will be without cellphone service. So I'll update you guys as soon as we're back in civilization.