A year after surgery that helped Jordan get back on her feet, an unwelcome visitor appears that reminds us the journey continues.

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for The Slayer. Her first experience in our political process was disappointing. And for all the gains made in her physical recovery, she suffers through a few plateaus that discourage her greatly.

I have been on a history kick. My latest fixation is the period of time between the first and second world wars. All the characters of that era fascinate me—Churchill, FDR, Patton—but I have lately been drawn to Eleanor Roosevelt more than anyone else. She became a strong leader and advocate despite her insecurities and despite many setbacks. These two quotes say it all: We do not have to become heroes overnight.

Jordan celebrated her 18th birthday the way she knows best—in the moment with an eye toward tomorrow.

A summer of hard work and a persistent dream has yielded a once-unimaginable result: Jordan is walking again. And doing it well.