A THOUSAND MILES: August 2017

My road came to an unexpected halt on November 9, 2010.

That morning, I was bicycling to work when a garbage truck turned across a city bike lane. I was in that bike lane.

A team of trauma surgeons saved my life, but they had to amputate my left leg. My body and life were forever changed.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

As I learned to walk again, I measured my recovery in steps and then miles. Over time that journey grew into something more -- a way of being in the world, wherever I go.

I am a person of ability and disability. I travel in the space between. These are my postcards.

Friday, August 25, 2017

How to Climb Anything

Mile Marker 5373:

I stand on the floor, fingers curled around the start holds. Carabiners locked. Leg locked.

"Climbing!" I call.

And whoever's belaying me -- Sarah, or Sara, or Marian, or Jacki, or Peet, or Julia, or Carly, or Alyson, or Jake -- calls back.

"Climb on!"

Those two small words launch me up the rock wall.

My goal this summer had nothing to do with climbing...

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Hi! I'm REBECCA.

I've walked more than 10,000 miles as an above-knee amputee.

I learn as I go -- navigating ability, disability, and life -- one step at a time.

Along the way, I mentor new amputees, teach students, rock climb, bake cookies, plant gardens, and travel the world.

I also write.

I wouldn't get far without my bionic leg -- or my amazing pit crew: family, friends, medical teams, therapists, prosthetists, and YOU!

Thanks for walking with me every step of the way.

To know me better, click here.