Happy Anniversary

As it is the 4th anniversary of the day I broke the cartilage off the back of my knee cap, I would like to dedicate this blog post to my knee, including those pieces of cartilage that I am certain are floating in a jar on a shelf in my ex-doctor's office.

Dear Left Knee,

Oh how much we've been through, these past 4 years. You've tested my patience. You've gained my respect. You've shown me what it is to triumph over your insecurities, and yet, I still struggle with you on a daily basis.

I think back to when you left me in pieces, and I wonder how I ever walked from the gym to choir. I remember that long walk from the choir room to Mr. Anderson's room... I made it around the cafeteria before I finally had to stop because you hurt me so bad. I remember bawling as I clung to the locks on the lockers, slowly hoisting myself down the hall, one lock at a time. I hated those stares from strangers who knew nothing about me, and cared even less. The neighbor boy asked if I needed help, but I refused to give in to your weakness. "No, I'm fine," I replied. Who wouldn't be fine after breaking their knee and then sitting through an hour and a half of class, watching it slowly swell until it looked more like a left butt cheek than a knee? Yes, I was fine.

At first they said it was my ACL. That would make sense, right? No, apparently not. Little knee, you found a way to befuddle myself and the doctors. Why would you break pieces of your own cartilage off, knowing that it would never grow back? Maybe you have some sort of a Savior complex... or a desperate need for attention. Whatever it was, you got what you wished for-- you are broken, and will forever be incapable to perform successfully so many of the things that you loved before. You have altered my life more than almost anything, and yet I am still indebted to you.

Because despite your insecurities, we still work together like a team of champions. We have our off days, and some days I wonder why I haven't replaced you yet, but you have taught me patience and a deep gratitude for mobility. And when we struggle, Right Knee comes to the rescue. Sometimes I think we were meant to be together, because together we learn. We grow, in more ways than an occasional swelling. We run, hike, swim, and play until we are downright beat.

So thank you, Left Knee. For sticking with me. For forcing me to grow in ways I never expected to. For keeping me mobile, while always reminding me that I am not invincible. Together, we can still conquer the world. And when the day comes that I must replace you (as I am certain that day will come), it will be with utmost respect that I bid you adieu. Let's stick together, because you and I (and Right Knee), have far too many adventures ahead of us to give up now.


Warmest regards,

Stormie Beatrice