A Journey Of Reconciliation And Healing
In a remarkable adventure spanning seven and a half years, Brad Ryan and his beloved 93-year-old grandmother, Joy Ryan, embarked on a mission to visit all 63 national parks across the United States. This week, their inspiring journey reached its pinnacle as they arrived at the breathtaking National Park of American Samoa, situated as the only U.S. national park south of the equator.
“The National Park of American Samoa is the most remote park in our country, and we couldn’t have chosen a more awe-inspiring place to conclude this epic chapter of Grandma Joy’s Road Trip!” exclaimed Brad Ryan in a post on the duo’s dedicated Instagram page, Grandma Joy’s Road Trip.
Their momentous achievement did not go unnoticed, as the National Park Service presented them with certificates and various tokens of appreciation to commemorate their incredible feat of visiting all 63 national parks.
Brad Ryan, 41, expressed his pride in defying assumptions about the limitations of aging and overcoming financial and logistical constraints. He highlighted his grandmother’s historic accomplishment, as she became the oldest living person to have ever visited every U.S. National Park.
A Historic Triumph And An Unforgettable Legacy
The journey of Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan commenced when Joy, a resident of Duncan Falls, Ohio, confided in her grandson about her regret of not having traveled more throughout her life. Determined to remedy this, Brad first whisked her away to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To fund their subsequent trips, he launched a GoFundMe page that garnered support from numerous individuals captivated by their inspiring mission.
Their quest, however, transcended mere checklist completion. For Joy and Brad, it was a journey of reconciliation and healing. The National Park of American Samoa acknowledged their extraordinary story, stating, “For them, this was not simply a checklist journey, but one of reconciliation and healing. Today, we were honored to host them as they arrived at their 63rd park and accomplished their goal. Their story is amazing, and we are grateful to be part of it.”
Their unique odyssey stands as a testament to the power of determination, love, and the enduring bond between a grandson and his grandmother. Brad Ryan and Joy Ryan’s incredible journey has touched the hearts of countless individuals worldwide, inspiring them to defy limitations and embark on their own extraordinary adventures.
As they conclude this remarkable chapter of Grandma Joy’s Road Trip, the legacy of their epic endeavor will undoubtedly live on as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
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