Date: 2016-07-01
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So, I was left to my devices today as my wife, Kathleen went to work. Every time I looked or walked past a mirror, the more I wasn't digging the Unibomber look I've developed over the last few months. I own a pair of hair clippers and before I knew it, I was shearing myself down like a sheep. I wondered if some craftsman could use this hair to make a very small sweater? Doubt it.    I have to say, I've been in a lot more physical discomfort not hiking all day than I am when I am hiking all day. Feet and knees hurt all day long. I'm hoping after a mile or two, come next Tuesday, everything loosens up and I'm still able to do my thing.    So, I came to a realization since I've been home of something that I have learned from the trail and the 1455 miles I've hiked so far. It relates to my journey as a brain cancer survivor. On the trail, most thru hikers have a goal, it's Katadin! Some care more about making it there more than others. Some just want to make it as far as they can, while others see it as the only possible measure of success. Anything less than Katadin is failure! Here is where you can throw in such sayings as,"It's more about the journey than the destination.". It is more about the journey of course, or everyone would just drive to Katadin and climb it. I'll admit, I'm one of those people who put a rather large emphasis on finishing my journey with a Katadin summit.   Yesterday, I put my journey on the trail in context to having brain cancer. Speaking for myself, my Katadin in terms of brain cancer has been becoming an "outlier" or long term survivor that far outlives the crappy survival statistics you find on the internet. Of course, there is always that chance that I will not become some statistical anomaly or reach that "Katadin", would that mean that my journey as a brain cancer survivor was unsuccessful? Of course not, I thought! Honestly, becoming an "outlier", is a good measure pure luck and so is reaching Katadin. One trip or random fall ended my hike last year and a good many others this year I'm sure. Hiking the AT and having brain cancer have been challenging physically, emotionally, and mentally. They have also been two of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Meeting other hikers, watching them excel, struggle, quit, get off due to injury, grind on despite obvious pain(physical and mental), I've learned a bit from each. This is same for every brain cancer survivor I have met. I've seen similar struggles and success's. I've met survivors who truly inspired me with what they have had to overcome and the grace and positive attitudes that they maintained throughout it all. Some have died and their journey's were by no means a failure! Amazing success's!       Of course, with brain cancer, there is no calling home and stepping off the "trail" to go back to your old regular life. That life is gone. Your on the trail for the rest of your life and the adventure only ends when your life does. Some may not call life with brain cancer an adventure, but that's how I've chosen to live out my days the best I can. When my time comes, I'd love say,"Well, it's been one hell of an adventure!". I even refer to death now as life's last great adventure into the ultimate unknown. Well, looking forward to getting back on trail and finishing this adventure. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend! Sorry if I got a little deep on everybody, I won't make a habit of it Living Proof