Walking Woman

 Work is going well. Yesterday I logged nearly 19,000 steps with my students. Although I was definitely tired by the end of the day, I also felt incredibly grateful that my leg is strong enough to keep me moving. I do not take the absence of sores and blisters for granted! Yesterday I impressed myself by going up and down now fewer than 10 flights of stairs with my students. 

Impressive feat for any 51 year old. As an amputee, I'm very proud of this accomplishment. Of course, I had to celebrate privately because my amputation is not visible at work. I really want the kids and my coworkers to get to know me and my abilities before they see 'what is missing.' Eventually I'll wear shorter pants or a skirt, but right now I'm sticking with pants. I know far too well how my prosthesis becomes my defining feature when people don't get to know me first.  

Although I'm busy, I find myself enjoying the drives between schools. It offers an opportunity to jam out to some music and unwind. Because I cover a total of 13 schools, I am driving across the county on a regular basis. I've discovered the cutest little shops and businesses along the routes. I can't wait to actually stop in sometime, but right now I'm far too busy playing catch up. Because I was hired 6 weeks into the school year, I'm pressed trying to provide all of the students with their promised time. It is definitely a challenge, but thankfully I'm up to it!