The Old Football Injury

Many people find this time of year reflective.  I’m no different.

This week I happen to be off of work, so I’m enjoying some writing time.

That being said, over the past few weeks I haven’t written my typical two posts a week.  As often happens, life sometimes has a way of redirecting us, even if only for a short while.

I’m not immune to that.

Overall, 2012 has been a good year.  One thing that occurred this year was my recent decision to return to an activity that I really missed, namely, swimming.

I love the water!  I’ve never seen myself as a dolphin.   I’m more of a sea turtle; slow and steady but I can go the distance.

I always felt my lack of speed was due to what I call “an old football injury.”  Twenty years ago a car accident left me with a very weak right leg. I was very active at the time (swimming, cycling, aerobics) but the accident took that away from me.

From the viewpoint of a swimmer this means my right leg has very little “kick.”  I can do the breaststroke, backstroke, side stroke, use a kickboard and a leg float.  Crawl stoke is challenging even though I have good form.

So getting back in the pool is one thing that’s happened recently…but wait!  There’s more!

During this same time, I also had a long conversation with a doctor about the old football injury.  As a result I’ve recently been working with a physical therapist to see what can be done to strengthen my leg.

In the short time I’ve worked with the physical therapist I’ve learned that the reason my leg is weak may go beyond the old football injury.  I may have had issues with my leg that pre-dated this.  What?!?!

I have to be honest. It’s been a bit of an emotional journey for me to process all this.

I was the kid who always said I couldn’t run well, but always felt no one believed me.  I was the kid who struggled to keep up when everyone else ran ahead.  Was this the reason why?

Well, I can’t go back and re-run any of those races;  I can’t go back and explain that my leg is a little bit crooked.  What I can do is keep on working with  the PT, and later I can work with a personal trainer.

I can also be thankful that I have the chance to correct something that I never knew could be corrected.

I’ve been diligent to continue swimming when I can.

Swimming is a very different activity from my other passion, crocheting.

Nevertheless, like crocheting, swimming calms me. The water is refreshing.  There’s a steady rhythm that takes place when your breathing is in sync with your stroke. Very frankly, swimming becomes a contemplative, if not prayerful activity for me.  I feel renewed.

Since I’m trying to balance a few additional activities into my schedule you may not see as many posts from me at the start of 2013.  I know I have a lot more stories to tell about my family.  That will continue.

It’s just like swimming.  I may not go as quickly as I would like but just wait and see.

I’ll go the distance.

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