Friday, May 16 turned out to be the high point of my entire week—a day I’m still replaying in my head, hours later. If you’ve ever had one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’re finally breaking through a wall you’ve been banging your head against, you’ll get it. That was me, all day Friday, thanks to a session with the Atalante X exoskeleton that I almost didn’t get to have.

Normally, my walking sessions with the Atalante X happen on Wednesdays. It’s a routine I’ve come to rely on—not just physically, but mentally, too. But this week was different. The whole team was in Chicago for Rehab Week, which meant my session got bumped to Friday. Suddenly, I had days to fill with anticipation, a whole week spent waiting and counting down. It’s funny how a change in routine can make you appreciate something even more.

There was a brief, heart-sinking moment when it looked like my session might not happen at all. My therapist’s flight home was nearly cancelled, and when I heard the news, it felt like someone pulled the rug out from under me. I know it sounds dramatic, but these sessions are a big deal for me—progress isn’t always a given, and missing a chance to push forward can feel huge. Thankfully, the travel gods (and maybe a little determination on the airline’s part) smiled on us, and the flight made it back on time. Suddenly, my Friday was back on track.

I walked into the clinic with a mix of excitement and nerves. There’s something about those rare, rescheduled sessions that makes them feel like a test—like you’ve got to make the most out of it. I started with 50% assistance, the exoskeleton doing half the work, and then I kept dialing it down as the session went on. What really blew me away was how much easier everything felt. Just a few weeks ago, dropping the assistance below 75% or 80% felt like asking my body to do the impossible. But this time, I hit 35%, and it didn’t just feel possible—it felt manageable. It’s wild how your body can adapt when you give it time and the right support. It’s the kind of progress that doesn’t always show up day to day, but when it does, it’s impossible to miss.

We tried side steps again, which was a big deal for me. The last time I attempted them, I was all over the place—my core just wouldn’t cooperate, and I felt like I was going to tip over with every step. This time, though, I made a conscious effort to engage my core, and it actually worked. I felt steadier, more in control. It turns out, side stepping isn’t just a trick for variety—it’s a sneaky way to work your balance and core strength, and I could feel those muscles waking up as I moved.

Then came my favorite part: walking backwards in the exoskeleton. It sounds strange, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about it. I could feel my glutes firing in ways they haven’t in ages—muscles I’d almost written off as dormant suddenly waking up and reminding me they’re still there. It’s hard to describe how empowering that feels, realizing that parts of you you’d given up on are actually getting stronger.

Sessions like this are why I keep showing up, even when it’s hard or when things don’t go according to plan. Rehabilitation can be a grind—a lot of tiny, incremental gains, and honestly, plenty of days when it feels like you’re stuck in place. But then you have a day like this, where everything clicks, and you realize just how far you’ve come. It’s not just about the physical progress, either. It’s about proving to yourself that you can adapt, you can improve, and you can keep moving forward even when things don’t go the way you’d hoped.

I have to give credit to the  Wandercraft team. Their support, encouragement, and willingness to push me just the right amount make all the difference. I know I wouldn’t be seeing this kind of progress without them. Every milestone—no matter how small—feels like a shared victory, and that sense of community is what keeps me motivated on the tough days.

So here’s to more milestones. Here’s to the sessions that surprise you, the breakthroughs that make all the hard work worth it, and the people who stand by you every step of the way. Progress isn’t always a straight line, and there are plenty of setbacks along the journey, but days like this remind me why I keep going. I’m grateful for every literal and figurative step I get to take. If you’re out there chasing your own progress—whatever that looks like for you—don’t underestimate the power of a single, really good day. Sometimes, that’s all you need to keep moving.