We love volleyball!'s Journal (original) (raw)

I have never been so happy in my entire life (that may be a small stretch, but I doubt it). I practiced again today, blocking for awhile before Coach told me to go ahead and try hitting middle. So I did. First one was a downball, second one was into the net, and third one was a pretty good actual jump and hit spike. So then as I got more and more comfortable, I called for a one (quick) and got a kill off of it. Dayumn, that felt nice.

We served for awhile and when we missed we had to take a lap around the gym. Well, I missed twice, and I have to tell you, I don't think running has ever felt that good. It's the little things that I appreciate now more than ever. The feel of the ball against my hand. The grip of my shoes while running. I know it sounds like a corny poetry line, but you have no idea until you've been in this situation. I was having a great time in practice while some other people wore frowns. I almost felt bad for them. They don't know how good they've got it. I also want to slap the people that complain about a foot cramp or a scratch on their arm. I never was one much for complaining about pain and still am not. I just want to tell them "I'm playing on a torn ACL. Don't talk to me about pain."

Anyway, my leg didn't hurt at all today. I'm really loving this brace. I forget that I even have it on while I'm playing. I always thought they'd be annoying, but I rarely ever notice it. I can jump as much as I want so as long as when I land, I flex enough and don't land stiff legged. I think that's how I got hurt to begin with. I was sort of jumping up and leaning to my left and when I landed, I landed pretty stiff and that just sent my ACL for a loop. I won't make that mistake again. The pain right now is minumum. As long as I don't hurt myself again, this should help prepare my knee for surgery. It will get it flexing more and be more mobile, which was my goal to have done for surgery. The more mobile it is before surgery, the faster my recovery time will be (supposidly).

If you had told me 30 days ago that I would be playing by the end of the season, I would have laughed at you. Just shows what dedication, loyalty, and courage can do. I never even considered playing again until the regional tournament when another Coach brought it up to my Coach. I mean, I'd dreamed about it (literally) but I never saw it happening. God, this feels great. In the last month I have achieved my lowest low and my highest high. It's been one hell of a ride too.
*whispers* and honestly, I don't regret getting hurt to begin with. I can see where the whole "everything happens for a reason" line was going now. It did.

If you'd like more information on my ACL injury, my thoughts and reactions to it, and my surgery please visit acl_injury
If you're an athlete that has been injured (or even if you haven't!) please visit injured_athlete

Sorry for the shameless plug, it just makes things easier. :)