Going into the biggest high school game I’ve ever played in, all the pressure fell on my shoulders. Bigger stadium, crowd, event and players, these types of games don’t come by often. Unfortunately, in the 19th minute, after a considerably good game thus far, running after the ball, a defender slid at full force, hitting me directly in the leg and fracturing my tibia.
Since that moment, life’s changed, not in a fun way at all. Simple tasks such as going to the bathroom or getting food now become some of the biggest challenges I face. With that said, here’s a list of what I view as the worst things I can no longer do with my broken leg.
Five: School work
Although I’ve never been one to enjoy school work, not being able to sit down normally in class without assistance and not being able to participate in group activities/mobile activities takes a huge toll on my grades. Having to do alternate assignments or sit and watch while others do a lab does take away from learning. My grades have started to fall as of late. I will say getting to leave class 10 minutes early to not deal with crowded hallways remains a great perk out of this.
Four: Walking without crutches
Crutches suck. For the first two weeks of using them, my whole body hurt, specifically my armpits. Also having to find a place to set them down when sitting stops me from sitting in certain spots because of the chance my crutches end up blocking someone off. Getting through tight spaces seems impossible with how wide the crutches make me when taking a step. One positive I find in this though is how much better my upper body will look come summer time.
Three: Hanging out with friends
Outside of school, my friends and I would go play any sport we could think of. We’d go to town park to play volleyball or basketball, the country club to play pickle ball or a friend’s house to play pool basketball. Now that I’m no longer active, I can’t join them in doing all these games. I could still show up but where’s the fun in just sitting and watching my friends have fun. Luckily for our friend group, we all usually play on our PC’s at least once a week all together, so I’m still able to connect with them outside of sports.
Two: Drive
Just two days before the injury I had filled my truck up to a full tank costing $80. Looking back, I really wish I didn’t, now knowing I can’t use any of that gas. Not being able to drive feels like my free will’s gone. No longer can I go see my girlfriend whenever I like to go get a new drink from 7Brew or a new treat from Crumbl. I’m taken to and from school by my mom now every day, and I’m basically stuck at home after, without being able to get up and go do things like normal. Recently, I did try and use my left foot to take a 15-minute drive but I can proudly say I’m not putting myself at that risk again. Now I’m not paying for gas at all anymore which is especially good at this time with how high the prices are.
One: Play soccer
I’ve been playing this sport since I was 4 years old, soccer’s all I know. I didn’t think I’d miss it so much, but I truly do. Watching club games go by, seeing friends play in the soccer class, I sit there wishing it was me out there playing. I miss the enjoyment of playing with my closest guys. I miss the excitement of hitting a shot perfectly top right. I miss that beautiful sport. The worst part of all of this truly shows itself as not being able to play soccer.
I know all this seems extremely tough, but at the same time I’m incredibly grateful that God gave me this obstacle to overcome. Through this, I’ve grown a closer relationship with the Lord and also the people I hold closest to me. Seeing all the support and help from friends and family makes me feel so blessed, and I’m so happy to have God to thank for that.
