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, October 23, 2020

Rigged

Mile Marker 8943:

In early September, my friend Amy sends me this birthday card.

A birthday card that reads, "Life life as if everything is rigged in your favor." - Rumi

Yes, I think.  I am going to live life as if everything is rigged in my favor. 

It seems like a perfect plan. 

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Croissant Therapy

A South Philly fence entwined with purple clematis flowers
Mile Marker 8825:

When you think of unbound happiness, what comes to mind?  

And how do you get there - especially in a global pandemic?  

Monday, August 10, 2020

Opt Outside

A Trader Joe's store with blue sky in background.

 

Mile Marker 8755: 

What would you do if you weren't afraid? 

Long before this pandemic - and even before Mile 1 -- there was a day I decided to opt outside.  

(Of my comfort zone.)  

Friday, May 29, 2020

Anywhere But Here


Arrows on the sidewalk for social distancing outside Starbucks
Mile Marker 8500: 

Do you wish you were anywhere but here?

I do.

I wish I could avoid the runners who breathe down my neck as they pass me on the sidewalk.  I wish I could see my feet, obscured by the shape of my mask, as I step off the curb.  I wish my prosthetic leg fit better, not loose and slippery from too much time sitting at home.  

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Some Kind of... Cookies


Mile Marker 8460:

Don't just sit there, do something.  But what about when there's nothing we CAN do?

Mile 8,460 starts with a text from Nurse Deb, on the front lines. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Bless Your Breath

Mile Marker 8425:

I'll cut right to the chase.

WEAR A MASK.

It's 8:05 AM, and I've just returned from a 1.6 mile walk.  But instead of feeling energized and ready for the day, I am simmering with anger.

Here's why... 

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Granola for One

Mile Marker 8399:

Where are we?

Or more accurately, WHEN are we?

Oh.  Hello Saturday.

Anyone else feel like the days should be wearing name tags this week?  

Saturday, March 21, 2020

True North

Mile Marker 7525:

Pause.  Rewind.

Remember a time when you knew exactly where you were going?  

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Souperficial Wounds

Mile Marker 8297:

Wow, I walk great in these socks!

Let me stop right there.

If you have a prosthetic leg, don't walk in socks.  And if you do walk in socks, don't carry soup.  And if you do carry soup while walking in socks...

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Closing Time

Mile Marker 8144: 

I am crying over a rock gym.

I know it's just a beat-up old building with high ceilings and faded rock holds.  But I can't help it.  

I'm just not ready to say goodbye.