June 18, 2009
I check the lower right hand clock on my computer at work, 6pm, YES! Time to leave work and start my 3 day weekened. Up next, my Urban Professional League Championship game at 7pm, and then back home to pack and go away to VA Beach for the weekened, can’t wait! I hop on the subway and just thinking nothing but positive thoughts! I get to the gym, and I am ready to get this championship and cement our undefeated record for the Spring season.
4th quarter, we are up by 6, with 3 mins to go. I am trying to play keep away with the ball, and I swing the ball around, as I get the ball back, my defender rushes toward me, and I quickly accelerate to get by my man, BOOM!!!! Awww, man, who hit me from behind? As I turn around, I see no one behind me. I look down and realize that I can’t plant on my right foot like normal. I get home, and cannot walk up my apartment steps. I know that something is really wrong and realize I will not be able to walk. No VA beach with the fellaz, really dissapointed. ER visit the next day, and the doctor diagnoses me with an Achilles rupture! Dam………….out of commission for the next 6-8 weeks!
I had surgery on June 26, and I’ve been on crutches ever since. Got some great news yesterday from my doctor to start putting pressure and gradually walk!
Being injured definitely tests your patience, and made me appreciate every little aspect of my life that I didn’t quite realize before. I use to live life a 100 mph, but now I am going to try to slow down and enjoy every simple joy in life, like walking! Just being injured and seeing how people have been passing away in the news lately, has made me realize more than ever, that life is truly precious, and that I have to make the most of my time when I am here. For me, that means cherishing every relationship I have, exploring the world, being overall good person, continuing to learn each day, and just appreciating every moment of life in general.
Since the injury, I have had my share of peaks and many valleys. But I refer to a bookmarker that a very special person gave me. I kind of draw strength from it, to keep pushing! It reads:
Don’t Quit
Don’t quit when the tide is the lowest, For its just about to turn.
Don’t quit over doubts and questions, For there’s something you may learn.
Don’t quit when the night is darkest, For it’s just a while til dawn.
Don’t quit when you’ve run the farthest, For the race is almost won.
Don’t quit when the hill is steepest, For your goal is almost nigh.
Don’t quit, for you’re not a failure, until you fail to try.
- Jill Wolf
Oh and did we win the championship you ask, yes indeed!
- By YoungProfessional writer JimH
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What a touching profound story. As I’ve seen and hung with you thru this journey, I am inspired by your strength and attitude. Keep it up and it will take you far.
Hey Jim, way to keep a positive attitude & understanding that everything happens for a reason. This injury has given you time to reflect on your life and truly appreciate the little things in life that a lot of us take for granted most of the time. Kudos for the great post and I know somebody needed to hear these words of encouragement. My man!
Nice, Jimmy. Very ‘Chicken Soup for the Athlete’s Soul’ – Get back on your feet and out on the court as soon as you are better!
the don’t quit bookmark, definitely great motivation. you guys are inspirational. I am new to this site but i will definitely be checking back in from time to time. 234
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this post. It was very personal and from the heart yet also very inspirational. I feel this blog should have a more personal spin to it, because all your stories somehow will touch someone who is reading it. Keep writing personal blogs, we love to read it!
Very inspirational blog. i’m very proud of you. its not about falling, its about picking yourself up every single time you do. congrats on being able to get back up on your feet.
Stay Strong Jimmy, Injuries are never fun but Hey, there always tomorrow. It was probably your best blog ever. Keep up the good work.