L.E.A.P. "The A"

It's been longer than I would like since my last update, and a lot has happened since then. This past Wednesday, I returned to my friends at American Orthopedics for another fitting of my prosthetic. After a few adjustments, I was out and about walking in the exam room, up and down steps, and up and down a ramp. Much to my surprise, I was allowed to take home my test leg to wear it around the house and note adjustments that I deem necessary when I return this upcoming Wednesday. As you can see above, I'm standing on my own two feet in my room, and let me tell you it feels great! Additionally, that evening I took my daughter Madelyn for a walk, hand in hand, around the block. Although the feeling of walking was great, the best part of my day was the pride I saw in my wife's face watching me take on the various tasks at American Orhopedics, and the excitement exhibited by my girls when they first saw me with my new leg. In fact, hearing Maya say "Daddy, you have two legs, did your leg grow back?" or seeing Madelyn jumping up and down for joy on the couch was priceless. With their support, and the support of my friends, I know I will overcome any adversity and soon become more active than I have been in a long time. This leads me to the topic of todays post.

The third essential quality of an Steve Farber utilizes to describe an "Extreme Leader" is represented by the A, in the acronym LEAP, Audacity. In fact, according to Edg:

"Audacity is 'a bold and blatant disregard for normal constraints.'"

I've always tried to lead my life by breaking through any constraints or overcoming adversities. However, doing these things myself is not what gives me the sense of being "audacious" in my leadership style. Instead, I feel more accomplished, a greater sense of pride, and much more productive when "my team" works together to complete the task at hand. Whether it's my family team, my work team, or a team of friends, I have always loved the feeling of team work. I mean there is no better feeling than forming a team; challenging the views of the naysayers, or those who say "that can't be done"; working together and reaching the goal or win. This is audacity, and this is what I hope to accomplish in all aspects of my life.

In my current journey, I will need the help of all those around me to challenge the norms and reach my goals. I have my first one set, The Outer Limits Triathlon, August 29th 2010 at 7:00am. I will compete in this traithlon in a relay format. I will swim the half mile course along the banks of the Anderson Concrete quarry, Mark Tremayne will bike the 16 mile course, and his wife Alicia will run the 5K. It is my hope that next year, the three of us can compete it this sprint triathlon again. Only this time, my goal is to complete the triathlon by myself, and I know they will be up to do the same.

Finally, I must give David Wess, the owner of Inkworkz Tattoo Studio, a big thank you. I met with him last night to discuss some tattoo designs I would like included in my first official prosthetic leg. He graciously accepted the challenge to incorporate a number of things that mean a lot to me in a tattoo format. I must say, it will be the easiest tattoo I will ever get (no sitting through the pain)...ha!!! As always, until we meet again, take care, remain positive, and stay strong!!!

Otis