Good morning. It’s so good to be with you right now. It feels like it’s been forever. I’m a little emotional about it, so I’m going to be a little real, heads up. 

Understanding that this morning’s communication is rather lopsided in who’s talking, we are deeply grateful to all of you who are ‘talking’ to us.

Maybe you’re hanging out with your local WWAD leader on Sat a.m.’s (already used ‘morning’ twice), maybe you’re emailing or calling us, or maybe you’re just typing a few words as you order a WWAD shirt – it’s all good and it brings us all closer – thank you.

Last Thursday (the reason for no newsletter last week), I was grateful to spend the entire day at the Physical Activity Alliance Symposium (sounds like a rager, right?) in Arlington, VA. I was inspired to be surrounded by 125 people yearning (like a deep yearning) to be better at facilitating healthier lives for our communities. Kudos to the power source that is Tom Richards and his team for their leadership.

One of the greatest philosophers of the last 100 years, John Madden (yes, that one), said, “Don’t worry about the horse being blind; just load the wagon”.

That never-say-die attitude was on full display in D.C., and thank you to those bringing it to us. We were there because of our incredible volunteer leaders around the world (currently tally – 631 chapters). At lunch that day, we also had the honor of talking with a well-known news network (can’t say name yet, but it rhymes with PBS). This secret news outlet will be attending a local DMV WWAD, splicing the film, and then distributing it far and wide throughout this great land of ours. I’m hoping we all might have to scoot a little closer in our cozy breakfast nook, ’cause I think this party is about to get started.

Mmm…pass the maple syrup, please. 

Do you like Ed Sheeran? I do too. Here’s his brand new song that I love and my daughter told me has been out ‘forever!’, Dad.

While travelling alone, I love audiobooks to keep me company. Kind of ‘gulpy’ at times to be on the road by myself. I feel very Kris Kristoffersony (pre-The Highwaymen).

I can see this book being controversial, but I really enjoyed the eye-opening perspectives.

Finally, if anyone else loves the National Parks and Rails-to-Trails as much as we do, please check out the GAP and C&O Canal Towpath (Maryland and Pennsylvania). (The reason for no newsletter two weeks ago).

Superstar WWAD Leader/nephrologist Dr. Donna Michel (Winchester, VA) gave my buddies and me the lowdown on one of her family’s happy places (the trails) before we headed out. One of her many Pro tips: If you’re ever in Harper’s Ferry, try this amazing restaurant. She nailed it. If biking these trails is something you’re ever interested in, please let me know. I’d love to help you the way Donna helped us.

I’m going to go watch the Sheeran video again, it’s as good as coffee.

Oh shoot, I almost forgot! This is a medical newsletter.

Did you catch this one on walking and Alzheimer’s?

Or the one on ‘Japanese Walking’?

Or, and I promise I’m done now, our main man, WWAD New Bedford leader, Dr. Michael Rocha, featured in Nat Geo on 7,000 steps?