appalachiantrail.com/20150730/…on-the-appalachian-trail/




Niki Rellon ~ Facing Life’s Mountains & Valleys on the Appalachian Trail

• July 30, 2015
  
• Robert Sutherlan
  

Let’s pretend for a moment that this is your story:
Now what?
So. What will the next chapter of your life look like? Which exit or on-ramp do you take on the Road of Life:

1. The Rocky Road of I Cannot
   
2. The Dead End of I Will Not
   
3. The Long Road to Recovery
   

[IMG:http://2c8fiw35v08l9u6zrvsra81d84.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/niki-rellon-on-the-AT-168x300.jpg]Niki Rellon cannot be properly defined by the single word “amputee.” Victor, perhaps, but not amputee. ~~ Photo from Nike Rellon’s Facebook page
Most of us cannot imagine the kinds of struggles that are Niki’s.
We freak out when the refrigerator conks out, overflowing tubs leak into rooms on lower floors and when we can’t find our car keys.
A few among us must cope with words like “lump,” “overdue,” “accident,” “met someone else” or “cutbacks.”
Hearing a doctor say you must have an amputation? That’s got to be big-time difficult.
Niki Rellon — against considerable advice — decided to face her suddenly new life on the Appalachian Trail. With determination, hiking poles and one new leg.

Bionic Woman
Taking “Bionic Woman” as her Trail name, she headed north from Georgia’s Springer Mountain and set her sights on Maine’s Katahdin mountains, home of Baxter Peak, the end of the Trail.
Bionic Woman “only” hiked seven miles her first day on the Trail. As if that’s something to be ashamed of because she “should have” done more while carrying a pack on her back with all her gear. Can you imagine?
Years ago I tried to talk my older brother, Jim, into hiking the AT. That’s been a dream of his for most of his life. I think his reference to the Trail was my initiation into its existence. Jim is pushing 70, in great shape and really could make the trek.
Jim (I call him “Jimmy” of course) said he has bad knees and a pain here and/or there.
I smugly replied with advice that I would never accept for myself:
Laugh, but that’s true.

Great pain and great tragedies can birth great triumphs.
I marvel at the life and achievements of Niki Rellon — when she had two good legs and now that she is the Bionic Woman.
If I understand correctly, as of the end of July, 2015, Niki has hiked more than 1,000 miles. She made it to Harpers Ferry, WV, then flip-flopped to Maine.
That’s where hikers climb an almost-mile-high-mountain in order to begin to hike the Appalachian Trail southward to Georgia.
Here’s the story of her descent from Katahdin posted at clickmedical.co/news/niki-rellon/
In my estimation, Niki doesn’t need to walk another foot to be my hero. She’s done plenty.

Suzannah the Muse
When I told Suzannah (my muse) about Niki, she replied “Now, that’s a story! Wow!”
And all Appalachian Trail hikers said, “Amen!”

Niki and You
What are you sure that cannot do in life? What uniquely insurmountable troubles and woes whup your butt? What is too hard for you?
Does the fact that Niki is hiking the AT on one leg mean that your problems are insignificant? No.
Does it mean all your issues are easily overcome? No.
Niki Rellon hiking the Appalachian Trail after having one leg amputated does mean that we do not have to give up on life, crawl into a hole and have a lifelong pity party.
Cheer up! Life could be worse … and if you life long enough it will get worse! It’s all a matter of how you will deal with your life, wherever it leads.
I admire the way Niki Rellon tackles the mountains and valleys in her life. May God bless her.
You go, girl! Everything’s going to be all right.

update on the bionic woman's hike:

bangordailynews.com/2015/08/11…hiking-appalachian-trail/