Living With……..

A phone call had connected us. A car brought him to my doorstep. Eduard is his name and although he has only seen 22 years of life he carries wisdom beyond his years. We are fellow runners. He dreams of running across the country and is already preparing for his adventure. In his eyes I see determination and conviction. Not just for his grand plan but for his life in general. We go for an 8 mile run in the rain. Eduard has never been in this part of the country. He picks my brain on nutrition and training and clothing. He is like a sponge for knowledge. I listen to the slap of our feet in the rain. It is the slap of three feet and the shuffle of his prosthetic leg. Eduard lost his leg at the hip in Afghanistan on his 21st birthday. Certainly it has changed his life but he says, he can’t imagine a life any other way. He rises every morning, attaches his leg and the shoulder belt that holds it in place. He will run in the morning and at night. Day after day after day. He says that maybe he will find his soul mate and that she can find a use for all the new left shoes that will never be used. His humor is warming. He says he gets discounts on full body massages and pedicures. Nice. I take him up to our ski area where the trails are steep and rocky to test his skill. He runs with a slight hop, his right leg is thick and muscular. Not one climb, not one descent is an obstacle. I am aging mare, he is a young stallion. With all the troubles, self doubt, inconvenience and despair that could be part of his life, Eduard has chosen to live without them, without his leg….and really live with what he has been left with. Maybe if we had a little bit of that magic, if we truly lived with what we have, instead of what we think we can’t live without, then perhaps we would be like Eduard…unstoppable………….Image

2 Comments

  1. Lori

    Was delighted to read this update, your words always inspire and of course this young Hero inspires, since i have always accepted what i have, i can understand how it makes life easier to deal with..

    You both are true examples of all that is good in life I thank you both for your Service..Wishing you and Edward all the best

    Reply
  2. Cynthia Romaker

    Such a beautiful story. Well written and moving. I could so picture the two of you up on Schweitzer! LOVE his sense of humor!

    Reply

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