Ryan Niederer

Today, I got to come to my apartment for a little while longer. I did some laundry, made some dinner, and watched as much college football possible.

And let me tell ya firsthand. There really is no place like home.

Those few hours of normal life felt pretty special. They reminded me exactly what I’m working so hard to get back to. Until then, I’m literally taking one step at a time. One day at a time. Even when those steps are only baby steps.

It’s hard to believe it’s already been 9 weeks since all of this began. Nine weeks of infection, pain, hospitals, surgeries, setbacks, physical therapy, and a whole lot of uncertainty about when I’ll finally feel like myself again.

Lately, I’ve been putting most of my energy into recovery and challenging myself a little more with every physical therapy session. And today, I’m really excited to share a small victory I can finally stand on two feet, with both toes and both heels on the ground.

I can even take a few baby steps with a crutch. They certainly aren’t pretty. A toddler has more grace than my lumpy little limp. Right now, I’m somewhere between a newborn giraffe learning how legs work and Igor from Hunchback of Nortre Dame.

For the first time in a while, I genuinely feel like freedom is within reach.

I can see that final turn. I can almost see the finish line. And even if I have to limp, crawl, sweat, or huff and puff my way there…

I will get there.

Because after everything I’ve been through, I’m not stopping now