This End Up

Mile Marker 262:

Coming home hasn’t felt this good since November 8, 2010.

On that evening, I arrived home in the dark, pulled my bike through the alley to its backyard parking spot, unloaded my binders from school, and hung up my coat and helmet inside the house.

While I don't remember the specifics of that night,  I do know that the very next morning my world turned upside down. 

My bike and I were lying in the street – APART. 

In the time that’s elapsed since that morning, figuring out which way is UP has become very, very difficult.

PT Julie says goodbye  -- to my bike!
(She'll see me next week!)

But last night I rode my bike 3 blocks home from the rehab gym.

See the dramatic, departing video here :)

I wasn’t alone.  My cousin Tracy trailed me like an athletic trainer and protective mom all rolled into one. I stayed on the sidewalk, and waited at each corner like any dutiful toddler!

When we approached a cracked, bumpy patch of pavement, Tray advised me – take weight off, keep your wheel straight –  things my body instinctively knows but now struggles to execute.  I bounced lightly.  I positioned my feet.  I held tight to the handlebars.  I focused with every ounce of my body weight.

But after a confusing, topsy-turvy year, I can tell you this:

Being on my bike is THE RIGHT WAY!

Near home, I rode a victory lap around the block because... well, I COULD.  

As I bumped over the crooked, slanted sidewalks, I shouted, “I'M RIDING MY BIKE!   I'M RIDING MY BIKE!"

I couldn't help it.  It was 50 degrees, I was jacketless, and the sun was setting in pink and purple stripes across the South Philly sky.

My right leg pushed its pedal, and my left leg pulled, and I knew this what my body was meant to do.   I just had to tell everyone!

Of course, my neighbors had their windows closed.  After all, it is December.

But Eleanor happened to lean out her front door as I rode past her house.  Her mouth rounded into a surprised “O,” and her right hand came dramatically to her heart.

Her words came out in a breathless flurry.

“I saw someone riding up the street, and I thought it was you, but then I thought NO, IT COULDN’T BE!!!” 

“It’s me,” I said.

And it was absolutely, positively true.

Yes, I still can’t ride alone.  My balance isn’t strong or practiced enough to support me among street traffic.  And truly, getting my Genium’s foot onto the pedal is challenge enough for now.

But as 2011 rolls to a close, I've discovered a new slice of life that feels very much like home.

This End Up.  

Happy New Year!