Week 3, Walk 5: I Walk In Your Name (6.1.10)

After speaking with my mother, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be walking in the name of her mother, my Nonna. She was a very prominent figure in my life until she passed away when I was 17.

Although she died due to a series of complications following a shoulder surgery, she suffered through severe rheumatoid arthritis and its side effects for as long as I can remember. The intense pain she experienced as a result of this disease made it very difficult for her to get around. She had increased difficulty with driving, climbing stairs, and even walking from one end of her apartment to the other.

She walked most of the time either using a cane or relying on the presence of walls and railings to lean on. Once even that became too trying, she acquired mobility through the use of a motorized wheelchair.

However, it was her perseverance through the harsh effects of this disease which gave her the opportunity to play an active role in my life, the lives of my two siblings, and the lives of my four cousins. This was my main motivation to take my mother's advice and respectfully walk in her name.

The best way I could think of to walk so as to make it as relevant as possible to my Nonna's condition was to take a route where I would have something to lean on all along the way. As I was wandering around my neighborhood, I came across this stretch of path which would allow me to do just that.

As I approached the beginning of this small bridge while keeping in mind how I was going to make my way across it, I started to realize how much time it would take to accomplish this and how physically jarring it would be. Keeping these things in mind made the bridge seem intimidating; almost as if it was taunting me, daring me to try to cross it in my intended manner.

I wanted to walk my way across this bridge by holding on to and leaning against the railing with every step I took. I know this was the way in which arthritis caused my Nonna to walk and I wanted to make my temporary experience as close to her everyday reality as possible.


As I reached the end, I looked back at the progress I had made. I couldn't believe how long it took me to traverse such a short distance. I can only imagine how much longer it would have taken me if I had actually experienced the same amount of pain my Nonna had. I only hope that she was looking down on me and smiling at the fact that I was taking a walk in her shoes.




I noticed a winding path ahead of me. I was not ready to head home yet, so I followed it around the bend. Once I saw that it lead to another bridge lined with railings, I knew I had to walk it in the same way I walked the one I had just crossed.


Once I reached the start of the second bridge, I realized it was much longer and had a few twists and turns. This would be more of a challenge, but I was determined to do it in honor of my Nonna.

After I had made some progress, I looked behind me. Compared to what was ahead of me, I felt like I had hardly moved anywhere at all. Although I was slightly frustrated at this point, I kept thinking that my Nonna had to deal with this feeling anytime she needed to walk somewhere. I had the ability to start walking normally whenever I chose; she did not.


After the first sharp turn, I came to the realization that not every path she walked was completely straight nor was every path the same as the one before it; she had to worry about turns, corners, and places with uneven footing. Things like this which don't phase those of us who can walk comfortably may be a nightmare for someone like my Nonna.



After the second turn, I was in sight of the path's conclusion. Still gripping and leaning on the railings, I made it to the end which turned into an observation deck projecting out onto a pond. I felt so free standing against that final railing and looking out over the water, sun on my face and light breeze in my hair. It made me consider how my Nonna is in a place now where she does not need railings, canes, or wheelchairs. She has walked her walk, and now she is resting peacefully. From now on, I will walk in her name.



Arthritis is not a disease recognized or readily discussed by many people. It can, however, cause discomfort, pain, and lead to other serious health complications if not taken control of. I would encourage others to take at least one walk of this nature so as to understand the impact it has on the simple functions, such as everyday mobility, which the rest of us tend to take for granted.