DFL Runner: Blog

Posting schedule alert: as you know if you've been reading the story, I live in North Carolina. I work for a medical supply company that serves patients who live along the NC coast ... which means that if current projections continue, the next few days are going to be *beyond* insane.

Last year when Florence hit, people were working until 9:00 at night in the course of preparing a week's worth of supply shipments in 72 hours. I foresee the same thing happening this week, which will likely cut into the time I need to continue polishing Chapter 16 before sending it to jetson63 for editing.

If it is at all possible for me to post it on schedule this coming Saturday, I will, but if not, please be patient with me and I'll post it as soon as I can.

Thanks!
DFLR

The latest chapter has been posted. It serves a couple of different purposes ... one, to explain the particulars of John's (and my, although "John" isn't my real name) amputation, and two, as a sort of tribute to the man who is the reason I am able to walk, let alone race.

As for the real-life "Emmett Wall" I changed a few identifying details - among them, he is still alive in the story but IRL passed away a few years ago - but it is otherwise a very brief, but true, depiction of the man. He is the standard against which I measure all doctors. As well, the conversation portrayed in this chapter is more or less the exact conversation he had with my mother to persuade her that amputation of my foot was the best choice.

Incidentally, limb-lengthening surgery is a real thing. You can Google several pages that will tell you more information. It also is not recommended for most people with dwarfism because of the particulars of their bone structure.

I am off to donate blood this afternoon. If you are eligible to donate, please do. There is a critical shortage of blood in America. You'll do a great thing. And you'll get to cheat on your diet for a day, plus (usually) get a gift card of some variety as a thank-you.

The next chapter - where you will see some of radio_guy's influence on my writing - was posted slightly earlier than planned. For those of you not familiar with the posting mechanism, you have the option of either having a story post right away, or to post at one of two predetermined points during the day. I forgot to specify that I wanted it to post tomorrow morning, so happy early reading!

The new chapter was posted yesterday while I was en route to a 1:45:02 finish to a 7K that I'm pretty sure was actually 7.4K. No matter. I had a great time and walked with a fellow race walker who - and in a preview of coming attractions, I *swear* it's a coincidence - hails from Cincinnati.

I *hurt* this morning but will be sitting for several hours as I drive home. Also, please lift good thoughts and vibes for "Kim" who has developed sepsis of some variety.

#milesforkim

4.3496 of them, to be precise. That's my goal for the 7K race I will be doing next Saturday morning ... just to finish the race. And to get the very cool finisher medal, which will be presented to "Kim" to hang on the wall in her room at the rehab facility. I still have the hope of being part of her first race after she recovers. Ideally, of course, I would like to be screaming my lungs out as she crosses the finish line on foot, but even if she's doing it with four wheels underneath her, I'll still scream just as loudly.

Speaking of finish lines, Chapter 12 has been posted and crosses one of them for John and Lisa. It was somewhat satisfying for me to get them there, moving them a little closer to the destiny I have in mind for them. But that was just one goal of many ... still a good distance to go in their story.

As well, Chapter 13 is already in queue, to be posted on schedule next Saturday morning, probably while I am at the first water station on the course.

Have a great week, everyone.