After having months of knee pain, I got an MRI of my knee and the radiologist diagnosed me with a condition called Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). This means that a piece of bone (osteo-) and cartilage (chond-) has been separated (dissec-) from the primary bone. The piece of bone and cartilage loses its source of blood, causing it to gradually die and peel away from the other part of the bone. When this condition occurs in a weight-bearing structure, - as is the case with my femur - it limits mobility…and it hurts!

I am 26 years old and in generally good health, so this news was an unwelcome surprise. I’ve always been a runner, so I knew this was in the cards, but I figured I wouldn’t have to face something like this until at the earliest my late 30s.

Alas.

Walking to me is not only a means of transportation but a means of exploration as well as relaxation. Walking around Lincoln Park revitalizes me. I stare at a computer monitor every day of the work-week and am instilled with life by the dogs chasing frisbees and ducks congregating in the pond.

There’s nothing quite like being stuck in your apartment for a week to make you realize how much you take for granted the simple act of walking. Walking is a source of freedom and - for me at least - joy.

From the results of the MRI, surgery seems more than likely, meaning many more weeks stuck inside while Chicago summer happens outside my window. Regardless, I have every intention of using those weeks to heal, re-grow the things that need to be re-grown, and return to life.

While I go through this new phase of life, I plan to devote my time to a couple of things: writing and becoming a better fan of the Chicago Cubs.