After the accident, I thought I’d never travel again.
You could substitute almost anything for “travel” in that sentence.
“…return to work at a busy elementary school.”
“…go to the gym.”
“…be healthy and independent.”
“…walk around the block.”
Fifteen years ago, I was hit by a truck while riding my bicycle to work in a Philadelphia bike lane.
My left leg was crushed by the truck’s tires, and it had to be amputated above the knee. I suffered other critical injuries and many complications.
I would live the rest of my life as a person with a disability and chronic health issues.
As I began the long process of recovery, my aunt and uncle sent me a necklace that read
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
I set a goal of walking a thousand miles on my prosthetic leg.
That was 15 years and nearly 15,000 miles ago!
(I’ve been writing about it since 2011 on my blog, A Thousand Miles.)
Returning to life was a journey in itself, but I dreamed of traveling again — and writing about it.
Yes, it would be complicated.
How could I manage my new body far from home?
Would it be possible to travel in a way that balanced my strengths and struggles?
Was there a way to bring travel into my life — even if I couldn’t go anywhere at all?
A Thousand Miles: Postcards from an Adaptive Traveler explores the space between ability and disability — around the block and around the world.
It’s a collection of stories and scenes, people and places, microadventures and misadventures. I find ideas and inspiration everywhere. With a traveler’s mindset, you don’t have to go far.
Which is good because I walk with a prosthetic leg. :)
Join me!
We’re all adaptive travelers, really. How do you navigate your world? I’d love to hear your stories and tips!
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