Cadence and Decadence: Reflections on Rhythm, Resilience, and Life’s Luxuries

As I work through physical therapy — marching to rehabilitate my hip replacement and prepare for a knee replacement — I often joke with my therapists, “I’ve done enough marching for one lifetime!” And truly, I have.

Back in 1980, I joined the Maryland Army National Guard as a Private First Class. Over the years, I rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Staff Sergeant (E6), then attending Officer Candidate School to become a 2nd Lieutenant. I eventually achieved the rank of Captain (O-3). Those years were filled with more marching than I could have imagined. Cadence — whether set by a drill sergeant’s chant or the steady rhythm of someone calling out counts — was more than a way to keep us in step. It was a symbol of unity, discipline, and resilience. There’s something powerful about finding and maintaining a rhythm, even when the journey is tough.

Now, as I focus on recovering my strength, cadence has taken on a new meaning. The steady, deliberate steps I take in therapy remind me that progress often comes one painful but purposeful step at a time.