Lots of things happening in my life have convinced me that not all personal victories are the kind that others would appreciate — but that doesn't mean they are any less valid.

My journaling reads:

"This month marks the two-year anniversary of Mr. Me’s first back surgery. It was followed, in the next 18 months, by two additional back surgeries. Which were followed by my surgery to remove a basal cell. Which was followed by my leg and back issues bad enough to severely limit my ability to walk or sit for very long. As part of his recovery, we tried to walk further and further each day, so we could get back to the long walks — sometimes almost 3 miles — we used to take in the “before times.” We walked together because we were both afraid pain would strike and we didn’t want to be alone and away from home. We were just getting close to the one-mile mark when my own back issues kicked in. Now with PT, I’m finally able to walk further. Hopefully, with my upcoming steroid injections, I’ll be able to go much further. But TODAY ... yes TODAY ... after more than two years, I took a walk BY MYSELF! A mile and a half, all BY MYSELF. It’s hard to believe something so simple has brought me such joy, but for me, this is a BIG win. One step at a time, woman. One step at a time.”