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Hidden Gems
In Milepost 75, you share your purpose and determination with readers in a memoir that chronicles your journey through some of the world’s most captivating landscapes. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book began when my daughter and I first attempted to hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim 50/24. We could not complete it, but the experience changed our lives. When I finally completed that hike after two more DNFs, my life was enriched and I wanted/needed to share my story – to inspire others to keep going and never give up.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Thanks! As I grew older, bolder, and stronger, my husband, Arnie was slowing down and encountering more medical issues, especially having to go on oxygen. I wanted to include something about how our health and abilities were differing, but I needed to include that in a way that respected his desire for privacy. I finally wrote just one sentence that explained and still honored him and his wishes.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
Wow! One piece of advice? So many people have advised and helped me on my life journey. It could be the stranger – another “angel” I met in Sabino Canyon when I was struggling with whether I should continue to keep training and trying to complete the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim. I included this story in Chapter 2: Moving Forward One Step at a Time. When I shared my dilemma, she responded with the Rocking Chair test. “When you are too old to do much of anything except rock in your chair and review your past, what will make you happy? That you persevered? Or that you gave up?” I persevered and that has made all the difference.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The list of themes grew bigger as I wrote, edited, and share my book with others. Here are some that resonated most with my readers: 1) It’s okay to get stalled, but don’t get stuck. 2) There are benefits to slowing down as we age, such as embracing Plan B options, taking the time to notice and appreciate the tiny hidden gems along the trail, and connecting with people as we stroll and smile rather than simply speeding by. 3) Failing is fine as long as we don’t give up.
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Milepost 75 – Aging and Exploring Life Trails with Wonder, Resilience, and Love
Sandra Richmond’s Milepost 75 is a memoir, a travelogue, and a call to action wrapped into one. At its heart, it’s the story of a woman who found her passion for walking and hiking later in life and refused to let age or physical setbacks stop her. She chronicles her journey through the Grand Canyon, the Inca Trail, and other stunning landscapes, all while dealing with the realities of aging, artificial hips, and the occasional self-doubt. Through humor, vulnerability, and an unwavering sense of adventure, Richmond paints a picture of a life lived with purpose and determination.
One thing I loved about this book is the raw honesty. Richmond doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of pushing her body beyond what doctors recommend. Early on, we see her doctor warn her about wearing out her implants, and her response is immediate: “That’s not an option. Not now. Not for my quality of life!” That moment hit me hard because it captures the fierce independence that drives this entire book. She acknowledges her limitations but refuses to be ruled by them. Her grit is infectious, making you want to lace up your hiking boots and take on a challenge of your own.
The storytelling is immersive and filled with rich details. Take, for instance, the moment when she and her daughter attempt to complete the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike. Richmond describes the grueling terrain, the exhaustion, and the heartbreak of having to turn back before reaching the top of the North Rim. But instead of seeing it as a failure, she reframes it as a lesson in resilience. The book is full of these moments where perceived setbacks transform into fuel for the next challenge.
Another standout aspect is the relationships Richmond builds along the way. She has a keen eye for the “angels” she meets on trails—strangers who offer encouragement, help, or just a moment of connection. Whether it’s the woman in Maine who found inspiration in Richmond’s slow but steady triathlon finish or the hiker who handed her daughter life-saving protein powder at Phantom Ranch, the book highlights how adventure is often about people just as much as it is about places. These interactions make the book feel deeply personal and universal at the same time.
Milepost 75 is perfect for anyone who has ever thought, “I wish I could, but I’m too old,” or “That dream is behind me.” It’s for those who need a reminder that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date. Richmond’s story is equal parts inspiring and practical, encouraging readers to embrace life’s uncertainties with an open heart. If you’re looking for motivation, humor, and a touch of wanderlust, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0CWJTVYZ6
13 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland to Traveling the World Serving the United Nations
Christine Sadry’s 13 Years Lost is a moving memoir that chronicles her journey from a small village in rural Poland to a successful 31-year career at the United Nations. The story begins with the tragic death of her mother, which shatters her family and leads to Christine’s adoption and relocation to America. Separated from her loved ones, she endures 13 years of abuse and hardship, a period that defines much of her early life. Despite her painful past, Christine’s story is one of resilience and transformation. She builds a family, confronts her trauma, and achieves remarkable professional success, all while reconnecting with her Polish roots. Her writing is honest and vulnerable, offering an intimate exploration of the challenges she faced as a child, an immigrant, and a single mother.
This memoir is a testament to the power of determination, the complexities of human relationships, and the possibility of healing. Sadry’s triumphs at the United Nations and her eventual personal peace make her story both inspiring and deeply impactful. 13 Years Lost is a compelling read, celebrating the strength of the human spirit. Sadry’s writing captures her emotional journey with raw honesty. Her prose brings to life the anguish of her early years, the challenges of being a young Polish immigrant in America, and the triumph of a single mother determined to carve out a better future. The book is not only a personal testament to perseverance but also a profound exploration of the complexities of human relationships—the pain they can cause, the solace they can bring, and the strength required to navigate them. What stands out most is Christine’s ability to turn her pain into purpose. Her career at the United Nations, achieved through relentless hard work, becomes a symbol of her resilience. Her story is a testament to finding peace, success, and fulfillment despite the odds. Her relationship with her late husband adds another layer of depth, reflecting her capacity for love and connection after years of hardship.
13 Years Lost is a compelling read, both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It shines a light on the enduring strength of the human spirit, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration. Sadry’s story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, hope and determination can lead to triumph.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0DJS1NCXX
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