Many of you know by now of the ordeal I have been experiencing since early November. For those who don't, here's the "Reader's Digest" version of the story. On Friday, Nov. 8, I experienced a "sideline collision" during the Aucilla Christian Academy football playoff game that resulted in a fractured ankle on my left leg. During surgery on the next day, I had what seems to be about two Ace Hardware shelves worth of screws, plates, nuts and bolts placed into my ankle and leg in order to hold everything in place while my bones took their sweet time healing. I have been in a cast and basically limited to one leg since then.
As I am typing this, I am looking forward to having surgery on Wednesday, Jan. 22, in order to have at least some of the hardware removed. By the time you read this, the surgery will have been completed, barring any unforeseen circumstances. After that, the plan is to be able to begin putting weight on my left leg, which will, hopefully, improve my mobility to a large extent. Now, I know I won't be running any marathons just yet, but the notion of being able to climb a flight of stairs is quite appealing to me at this juncture.
I must say I have learned a few things during this experience. I have a much greater appreciation for those folks whose mobility is compromised, either temporarily or permanently. I have also learned to maintain a healthy distance between myself and the action of any sporting events I may be covering.
Another lesson was brought to my attention as I was speaking to someone recently. It was something I had not thought much about, but it did make me ponder. I mentioned the fact that so many people have seen me either getting in or out of my vehicle and have offered assistance. I have generally been one to do as much "by myself" as I can. This person told me I should be more open to allowing others to help me whenever possible. "You don't want to rob that other person of their blessing," this individual told me. His words struck a definite chord with me.
I won't say it will be easy, but I will certainly try to be more sensitive to those who offer their sincere desire to help. Believe me, even if I might decline the offer, it is most definitely appreciated. Now, to hobble to the finish line there on the "sunny side!"