Walking Wish List

Mile Marker 416 (or 417?):

If my feet don't touch the ground, do the miles count?

Monday’s surgery was pronounced a success.  And, in the fog of leftover anesthesia, I found space to dream.  

About walking of course.

Places I would walk if I could.
Places I will walk when I can.

Here it is --  MY WALKING WISH LIST:

1.       TAKE A HIKE.  I’ll hit the trails, crunch through leaves, stumble over rocks, and leave footprints in sticky mud.  I'll climb hills until my right calf aches.  I’ll ford fallen branches and rock-hop across shallow creeks.  In snowshoes, hiking boots, or sandals – in Vermont, the Poconos, or Wissahickon Valley -- my feet will be ready!

2.       SHOP TILL I DROP.  I’ll trace those walkways of the mall complex at King of Prussia.  The sprawling Promenade of South Jersey.  The outdoor wonderland of Old Orchard.  Get ready shopping partners – you know who you are!   Dust off your coupons and credit cards.   It’s gonna be a long day!

3.       FUN IN THE SUN.  I’ll dig my toes into the thick, wet sand along the water.  I’ll feel the waves lap against my ankle, the grains of salt prickly against my skin.  I’ll stroll along any beach, anytime.  Ocean City, Lake Michigan, Frejus, Arcachon.   I'll find a million shells.  And my blue-metallic “water leg” will glimmer like sea glass.  

4.       RAINY DAY SCHEDULE.  When drizzle knocks against my bedroom window, I’ll wake up late and meet the Sunday crowd for brunch.   Fueled up, we’ll tour the latest museum exhibits.  The Art Museum and Liberty Museum.  Springsteen at the Constitution Center.  I won’t worry about handicap entrances or fatigue on my feet.   Nothing will stand between me and the culture of Philly.

5.       WHEN THE FLOWERS BLOOM, I’ll explore the parks.  The Grounds for Sculpture, Longwood Gardens,  Rittenhouse, Central Park.  I’ll dodge kids on scooters along the winding paths.  I'll inhale the breezes of spring and the heat of summer.  I'll savor the shade of a slow afternoon.

6.  MOTHER'S DAY.  Not this year, but maybe next,  my Mom and I will return to the Parkway for our annual Race for the Cure tradition.  That 5K won’t tire us out or scare us off.  And afterward, we’ll walk even farther!   We’ll celebrate more mother-daughter days to come.

You'll see my sign!

7. MORNING NEWS.  It’s a hassle to get myself out in the morning, but not TODAY!  I’ll rise at dawn in a hotel that overlooks midtown Manhattan.  I’ll wander outside and stare up at the skyscrapers.  Strong latté in hand, I’ll crowd up to those metal railings along Rockefeller Plaza.  I’ll wave to Ann, Matt, and Al and hope for my 5 seconds of fame. 

8.  MAGNIFICENT MILE.  In the glow of holiday lights, I’ll be daring! Bundled up in boots, scarf, coat, and hat – in the Chicago way – I’ll brave that lakefront wind.  I’ll see my frosty breath under the white sparkle of the Water Tower.  Then I'll warm up with thick stuffed pizza that can melt the sidewalk ice.  And when snow turns to spring, I’ll return...with my bike.

9.   BONJOUR.  There will come a day when I’ll drag my luggage down that jet-way to board my long overdue flight to France.  I’ll see those olive trees and walk those steep sidewalks; the ones that were all cancelled in 2010.   I'll visit my French family, and experience  those markets, cafés, and vineyards encore à pied!

It's a WISH LIST,
after all!

10.   AND THEN….  When I’m all walked out, I’ll retire to my favorite spot along Kelly Drive.  I'll plop down on the curb and lace up my skates.  Then, I'll crouch low and push off.   Hands clasped behind my back, I’ll weave in and out between runners, and bikers, and – well -- all those "newbie" skaters.  

Yesterday as I crashed on the couch, my brother informed me it was "National Walking Day."

My dad laughed and replied that it was “National Hopping Day” for me.

Really, it was neither.

My biggest accomplishment was changing my bandage and checking out my newest set of sutures.  (Supervision provided by Uncle -- a.k.a. Doctor -- Steve.)

This afternoon, my dad pushed me around the block in the wheelchair.  My leg and I are taking it easy for a few weeks.

But if I'm more COMFORTABLE in the long run, a month is a very small price to pay.

Do the miles count if your feet don't touch the ground?
Let me know what you think...

Because in a month or so, I've gotta pick up the pace!

For now, I'll settle for DREAMING BIG.

Tell me, on a good walking day where would YOU go??