Walking a Familiar Path
“We've spent a lot of time on that path. Carrying 40-pound packs getting in shape for the invasion of Iraq. We've hiked in sunshine, rain, snow, you name it.”
About 40 yards. That's how far I got before we had to stop and sit on a bench.
My friend Ted Koppel had taken me back to the path along the Potomac River where we used to hike regularly. As a matter of fact, he and I did our normal six mile loop two years ago, the afternoon before my doctors found the brain tumor.
We've spent a lot of time on that path. We carried 40-pound packs getting in shape for the invasion of Iraq. We've hiked in sunshine, rain, snow, you name it.
Five years ago, after my first cancer surgery, that's where I did my rehab. Ted, Laurie, and I would go each day, a little farther each day. About a hundred yards the first day. Six miles, with ease, a few weeks later.
So Ted took me back there over the weekend. I've only recently been walking without the walker. I still have the pump attached to my arm.
We walked from the parking lot to a bench by the path, rested, and then went about 40 yards to the next bench. I was pretty much exhausted. Time to turn around and call it a day.
But it was great to be out in the fresh air. Great to be on the path I know so well. Great to reclaim a bit of my old life.
Next time, we'll go a little farther.
7:35 AM ET | 11-19-2007 | permalink
