I’d never been unable to move before. It took me about 15 seconds to figure out I was effectively paralyzed when I tried to roll over. Quite a shock to someone who hadn’t even been in a hospital before and who’s all about not ever needing help. The Cloud of Stupid I apparently rode my bike through worked its magic so I could cleanly hit the asphalt and break off a perfectly good hip.
Two weeks after being fitted with a nice piece of titanium, a snap on fitting, and a ceramic ball joint I showed up back at work, apparently none-the-less worse for wear, trying to prove I was really the TOUGH GUY; not even a limp.
Inching back to my pre-injury day is really fun. It reminds me of being 11 years old again, making a pouching bag and pounding on it in the basement for two weeks because I fancied myself being a boxer. Or when I got a book about wrestling and practiced all the moves with my best friend, Howard. It was the PROCESS, not the goal, that was so exciting; that’s how I feel now. The tiny steps toward racing (ok, and winning) again is a real high.
So I wonder, is THIS all it takes for people to feel excited and childlike? Or am I just an easy mark? Either way, it would be nice to share that feeling; to instill confidence and joy in everyone. I guess that’s something to work toward, also, on this Thanksgiving.
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