Honestly, the last few months have been anything but easy. These past 5 weeks, in particular, have been some of the most challenging times for me, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Between trying to juggle my final weeks at school, taking external exams, keeping up with rehab, and the stress of moving houses and leaving the place and people I’ve called home for the last three years has been tough. But, in a way, all of this has given me a new perspective.
I was so focused on things with my knee and recovery that I forgot there are other big parts of my life that need attention too. Balancing everything has reminded me that, yes, my knee and getting back to normal is the most important thing to me, but my life is more than just this. Graduating High School and leaving the people I’ve called my friends for the past 3 years is a bittersweet feeling, but there’s a part of me that’s beyond excited to see what comes next.
I feel like my life is truly just about to begin. Despite everything, I would say I have been the happiest I have been yet. I’m starting to feel like myself again and I love it. It’s such a relief after feeling like I was defined by my injury for so long. Now, I’m beginning to see beyond it. I’m becoming “me” again.
On the 7th of November 2024, I finally stepped back onto the football pitch. This was the first time I was able to run again!
Late October 2024, I was told that I might be able to run within the next few weeks, ‘IF’ I was able to meet the specific criteria. After nagging my physio (Yanek). The moment finally came. When he told me at the start of the week that I would be running I couldn’t control my excitement and I was just thinking about it made me so happy that all I could do was smile whenever I thought about it.
I wouldn’t say I’ve necessarily been dreaming of this moment, but I have been eager to get to this point.
Personally, throughout my rehab I always pictured running as a major milestone that would allow me to both see real progression and incorporate bits of football back into my life.
The thought of running over the next few weeks excites me and is the only thing I want to do;
“I know this excitement won’t last for long though.
Being able to share this moment with Kijah was really special, after having surgery on the same day only 1 hour apart to doing our whole rehab together so far, has been really encouraging and reassuring to see that we are both going through the same thing. Each milestone we’ve hit has been together. And this particular milestone is extra special for us both, and is a huge step forward. Running through the tunnel of players, seeing their smiles and support felt like they genuinely cared about us and I can’t wait to be back on the field.
The first few steps felt a bit unsteady, and I found myself overthinking it way too much, scared that I wasn’t able to run “normal” or I looked weird doing it. I had to pay attention to every single step I took in case I did something wrong or landed on it weirdly. Although it was far from perfect, just getting used to this movement again felt like a huge achievement for me and I couldn’t contain my excitement.
This is truly that happiest I have felt yet.