My Summer footprints 👣
Wow, I missed you all and this blog!! It has been MONTHS since I last wrote a post and I apologize for my absence.
When we last spoke, I had to take leave of the Appalachian Trail due to various minor injuries. In the mean-time, while I was trying to heal, I was able to fill you in on the remainder of stories, thoughts, photos, and memories from the last part of that grand adventure. And what an unforgettable, life-changing grand adventure it truly was! About 550 miles over the course of 2 months!! The level of gratitude for the entire experience can’t even be put into words.
One out of a thousand spectacular views found on The AT!!
And now I am here to share a VERY different journey. One that I have been traveling in a roller-coaster style since 2013. It is a story of how one traumatic injury, a dreaded ACL tear in one knee, manifested in my life to such a shocking degree. Very few people know the true extent of my “knee history” – – because it’s not the most fun topic of conversation, seriously!! – – and I never really liked to share my struggles. Rather, I would prefer to get to a place of strength and then say, “oh, wow, I just went through this <crazy ordeal> but I’m doing great now!” So people could share in my triumph as opposed to sharing my misery as well. Silly, I know, since friends and family who love you want to support and be there in times of need because they care. I still always found it so difficult to have anyone see me hurting, appearing weak, or battling an injury like the ACL, for instance…
But alas, here I am! Not to bore you with too many details about knee injuries, but to tell you my story, the abridged version, and hope that it prevents others from going through the same revolving door as me. I had to learn the very hard way about this particular injury and I want to save anyone that I can from the many struggles that I endured and am still trying to correct. And if you are battling a non-knee injury, I also hope my words can bring you a new perspective that just may positively influence your course of healing.
Back to my footprints!! So, on November 13, 2019, I had another knee surgery. My 5th knee surgery to be specific…which sounds insane but it’s the truth. It also won’t be the last….SAY WHAT?!?!? Another surgery will follow towards the Spring of 2020. I will explain the circumstances in an upcoming post but just know that my active footprints are excited to get back in the game and living life to the very fullest!! It may be baby steps for a while and 2020 is already set up as a year of rehab, recovery, and MAJOR strength-building. However, I am looking forward to all the things that I will accomplish as I conquer these LAST knee surgeries (cuz enough is enough!!) and get back to doing the things that I love. I just may be taking you back to the Appalachian Trail with me one day, so we can continue from where we left off!!! Though that is in the very distant future so please be patient with that one. 😊
Though my favorite AT shirt will remind me of all the good times until I can return!
I know, some of you may be shaking your head, thinking that I should really be locking myself in my room if surgery #6 is on the horizon for me….but that is why my knee journey is so important to tell. I assure you that these many knee injuries are not from me being reckless. Intrigued? Please stay tuned!!! And allow my story to enlighten you as well as inspire you to never give up on yourself or your dreams. Even after surgery #6.
✨🌞🌺🌛☘️💫
