Hi! My trail name is Tree Hugger, and I’m thru-hiking the AT after a 32 year wait.I first learned about the AT during Spring Break of my Sophomore year in college. My college sweetheart and I spent a week in the Smokies, and we ran across some hitchhiking thru-hikers. That’s when I learned about the trail and determined to someday complete it.Well, life intervened, and my path veered away from the trail for some time. I married and raised three amazing kids, but never stopped dreaming about completing the AT.I started backpacking again once the kids were grown, and got into the best shape of my life with the help of a personal trainer and a lot of hard work.Then, in November of 2018, I took a bad fall while night hiking up to a remote spot in the Hoosier National Forest.I suffered multiple physical injuries, including a pretty nasty TBI that required almost three full years to recover from.But with the great support of my friends and family, a team of medical professionals (particularly one extraordinary functional neurologist), I regained enough cognitive ability and balance to backpack again.I entreated my superintendent (I’m a high school teacher) to grant me a Leave of Absence to hike the AT while I’m still able (who knows what the future holds?), and my request was granted.I spend all year teaching my students to “seize the day,” to reach for their biggest goals, and to live out their dreams. It was time to practice what I preach, and so here I am on the AT.It really is a dream come true for me.It’s been difficult and challenging and uncomfortable, and really, what more could anyone ask for?