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

I was bicycling to work when a garbage truck drove into a Philadelphia bike lane. I was in that bike lane.

A team of trauma surgeons saved my life, but they had to amputate my left leg above the knee. The accident changed my body and health forever.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

These words started me on the journey to walk again. Over time, they became a way of life.

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

Friday, April 9, 2021

Do a Morning Mile

Good morning from Mile Marker 9,427...

...and my favorite walk of the day!

Most mornings I head out alone.  But for this challenge, I need a traveling companion.  

Luckily, I know exactly who to text.

"Are you out running?" 

There aren't many people who are available at sunrise, but Donna is definitely one of them.  

In fact, she's just finished her morning run.  Coincidentally, right outside my building! 

Ok. It's not quite a coincidence. 

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Cultivate Your Garden

Salut from Mile Marker 9,425...

...at Merion Botanical Park!

I'm here with mon amie Cécile - and we have nothing planned except to walk the garden.  

(And maybe find a bench long enough to share a snack from 6 feet apart.)

I cancelled our walk last week.  I was exhausted and overwhelmed.  Maybe it was raining too.  Honestly, I don't remember. 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Be There

A lone cherry blossom in full bloom along the river.

Hello from Mile 9,422...

... on Kelly Drive! 

It's the most crowded place I've been in a year.  But with Rocco and Susan, I feel safe.  

That's why we call them my Secret Service :)

Long before the accident, we skated and biked together -- many times on this exact path.  We always watched out for each other.  Made sure none of us got hurt or left behind.

After my accident, they watched out for me even more...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Go for a "Ch-alk"

View of the blue sky above Arch Street, streaky with clouds in late afternoon
Greetings from Mile Marker 9417...

...What's a "ch-alk?" you say?

So glad you asked!

A "ch-alk" is a video chat + walk.  I made it up.

It's when you bounce along cobblestones trying to hold your phone steady in order to give a 300-mile-away-friend a tour of your neighborhood.

(Prosthetic leg optional.)

Monday, April 5, 2021

Take Sunday (or One Day) Off

Hello (and yawn) from Mile Marker 9,414...

...Be like Toby the Beagle.

Tradition says we rest on the 7th day, but already, on Day 4, I need a breather.

Did you know an above-knee amputee uses 60% more energy to walk than a person with two legs?  

Yep.  It's like driving a car with a half-size gas tank...

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Tour Your Old Block

Hi from Mile Marker 9410...

... my old stomping grounds!

(Back when I could actually stomp!)

I'd say it's been a while, but really it hasn't...

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Trust Your "2nd"

Hello from Mile 9406 

...and a time warp!

Where were you in 1998?

I was in a classroom stocked with Mr. Sketch "smelly" markers, an overhead projector, and an endless supply of transparencies...

Friday, April 2, 2021

Plant an Idea

Greetings from Mile 9400 --

Where ideas take root in Washington Square!

Mônica and I always walk the same route.  

Fewer decisions about streets and sidewalks leaves space for other things - like talking about her children's books or my November novel, or even this next step on the blog...