The man who walked one thousand miles

My Son, Dane, just returned home from walking more than 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. 10 years ago he had an accident in his para-glider which caused him to spend 3 months flat on his back while he recovered his ability to walk. His goal was to spend 3 months on the trail to make up for the time he lost. That is exactly what he did. He may not have been able to walk as fast as the fellow hikers he met along the way, but he accomplished his goal. He braved the elements and with one foot in front of the other, he treated the trek through Washington, Oregon and part of California like an important job. One that he will carry the memory of throughout his life. Is the adventure over?  Not at all. He has plans for next year and the years to come. The trail has become a part of who he is and who he would like to become. It represents courage, determination and dedication. His legs may still be weaker than if the accident never happened, but his appreciation for life has grown and he is one thousand times a more grateful man.