Well my disability claim was denied

[moonscape]

72. This. Without disrespect and appreciation

for what disability means in one’s life. I don’t have the secret formula for how one gets a surge of motivation and determination. It’s some sort of magic and I’m so grateful it happened to me.

I was on forearm crutches for a few years due to cancer, tumor breaking my fibula, nerve damage from plates and bolts to repair. Arthritis, spine issues and fibro conspired to defeat me but only temporarily. Spring 2021 I could not walk 2 blocks due to pain and fatigue. Something clicked and I said enough! I’ll be in a wheelchair if I don’t take action.

Today at almost 72, on chemo, I can hike 12 miles with elevation and hike 3 days/wk. Working on my goal to hike back up on Mt LeConte in the Smokies which I did with my family when I was 5 yo. It has been a remarkable journey (spinal epidurals, tons of physical therapy, and more) showing me what we, and our bodies, can be capable of. That said, I lucked out. The time and opportunity have to be right, motivation has a mind of its own, and we have to want it badly enough. I’m not critical of those who feel emotionally defeated because I’ve been in that place. That is its own disability and I get it.