Day Ten: Dad Made It Home, and the Giving Didn’t Stop
- Richard Webster
- Aug 16
- 5 min read
Before we tell the story of the final day, here is the TMJ4 report that helped introduce Dad's ride and his Operation Christmas Child mission to an even wider audience.
The report captured what Dad was about to finish: nearly 100 hours on the road, just under 600 miles around Lake Michigan, and a goal of turning every mile into encouragement for children receiving Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.
But the number shown on television was already becoming outdated. By the time Dad reached home, the giving had taken on a life of its own.
The Last Morning
The final day began in the most honest way possible: Dad found Richard asleep in the support van and woke him up. Richard had been working past 1:00 a.m. to finish the previous night's blog after poor internet and Wix storage problems forced the videos to be moved to YouTube.
Then Dad and Richard sat down for one last long morning conversation. They talked about worn brake pads, the final miles, Laralynn's encouragement on the hills, and the strange mix of joy and emotion that comes when a goal is finally within reach.
They also talked about the interactive photo book that will preserve this journey, with photographs, stories, and QR codes that will let readers watch key videos from the ride.
Most of all, Dad thanked Richard for the week they had shared. "What you did for me this week is priceless," he said. It was a moment between father and son that mattered far more than any mileage total.
Looking Forward
Dad had lost the bicycle mirror that once belonged to his brother Don. Instead of treating that as only a loss, he found a message in it: do not keep looking backward. Look forward.
Don made the earlier ride around Lake Michigan with Dad about 20 years ago. His memory remained present throughout this journey, but Dad was also ready to carry that love into whatever comes next.
With that, the final sendoff was simple: one last day, one last ride, and the same words that had carried him all week: God's got this.
Jeremiah and the Jawbreaker
Before the serious miles began, Jeremiah provided one more chapter in a much smaller adventure. The enormous jawbreaker that had appeared earlier in the trip was nearly gone. He had worked on it for so long that he had actually sucked a hole straight through the middle.
The jawbreaker may not have traveled around Lake Michigan, but it certainly showed some endurance of its own.
Hills, Deer, and Old Churches
The road immediately reminded Dad that a final day is still a riding day. A young deer appeared along the route, followed by rolling countryside, old churches, and one hill after another.
One country church dated back to 1861. A little later, the bells of St. John's Lutheran Church rang across the morning.
Dad reflected on retirement, a lifetime of work, and what it means to keep living fully. He joked that he may be retired, but now he works for his wife.
The Support Van Finds Him
When the family and support van caught up, Dad was still smiling. He shared an update from the roadside before rolling onto familiar trails near West Bend.
The Milwaukee River, the water tower, and roads he recognized all made home feel closer.
Carrying Don in a New Way
Later, Dad returned to the missing mirror. The loss still mattered because of its connection to Don, but the meaning had shifted. Dad could honor the past without being trapped in it. The road ahead deserved his attention now.
Breakfast, Friendship, and a Treehouse
Another family stop brought food, laughter, and the kind of support that had carried Dad through all ten days.
Then came a visit with Dan Vogt, Karen's sign, and a look at an unforgettable treehouse. It was a reminder that this ride was never only about scenery. It was about friendship and the people who kept showing up.
Ten Miles, a Puppy Detour, and More Road Closures
With roughly ten miles remaining, Dad was still making jokes. A planned stop at the Humane Society did not produce a puppy because it was closed on Sunday, but he made it clear that the idea was not gone for good.
The route changed again for safety. Dad avoided a narrow Highway 60 bridge, passed another road closure, and kept adapting instead of forcing a dangerous line.
He crossed Highway 41 safely, passed Slinger Speedway, watched the weather, and prayed the wind would push the rain away.
The Road Home Looked Like Heaven
Near the finish, one driver came far too close. Dad repeated a lesson every cyclist understands: you have to play defense.
Then his thoughts turned to the people waiting at home. He compared the approaching finish to reaching heaven's gate and hearing the words, "You made it. Good and faithful servant."
The Last Stop Before the Crowd
At the final stop, Dad still had energy. He talked about a total just under 600 miles, tens of thousands of calories burned, and a bicycle seat that had somehow survived the entire journey. He even joked that he could ride another 600 miles.
He Made It Home
Then the moment arrived. A police escort helped bring Dad in. Jeremiah wore a Superman cape for his "Super Grandpa." Family, friends, and neighbors filled the finish with signs, cupcakes, hugs, laughter, and relief.
The check in the photo says $6,535. It was a wonderful number, but it was already outdated.
During Dad's final recap, the online total had climbed again. By the time this blog was prepared, the live fundraiser showed $8,441.
That is 141% of the $6,000 first goal, or $2,441 beyond the original milestone. It also blew past the $7,000 stretch goal by $1,441.
One Last Recap and the Next Adventure
Dad's final ride home was about 31 miles. The complete trip came in just under 600 miles, with the final activity audit still being reconciled. He spent nearly 100 hours on the journey and burned roughly 39,000 calories.
He also made it clear that arriving home does not mean the story is over. There was already talk of another adventure at age 70, possibly 700 miles from South Dakota back home, with Cameron joining him.
The Fundraiser Is Still Open
Dad is home, but the Samaritan's Purse fundraiser will remain open for a couple more weeks because many people have said they still want to give.
The $6,000 goal was the first milestone, not the ceiling. Every additional $10 can help cover the shipping and handling for another Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. At $8,441, supporters have already given enough to potentially help with the shipping and handling for about 844 shoebox gifts.
If you have been planning to donate, now is the time. The ride may be finished, but the opportunity to help another child is still moving forward.
Please Do More Than Read
Encouragement mattered to Dad on every mile of this trip, and it still matters now.
If possible, please do all three:
1. Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog.
2. Like or comment on the related Facebook post.
3. Text Dad directly at 262-707-4253.
If you cannot do all three, please choose at least one. Let him know that you followed the journey, that you saw what he accomplished, and that the mission mattered to you.
Dad made it home. The first fundraising goal was left far behind. And thanks to every rider, driver, donor, prayer, message, meal, sign, and act of kindness, this trip will keep carrying hope long after the bicycle is parked.
Well done, Ken. Congratulations on surpassing your fundraising goals, completing the ride, and your testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout. I was blessed to partner with you.