Rehab.

I don't know what it is, but I seem to be trapped in a downward spiral of bad luck this summer and I just can't seem to catch a break. I sprained my ankle two weeks ago and at the advice of VM, I ordered these ASO ankle braces online and seemingly believed I was invincible with them on. Funnily, the nurse at Scarborough Grace made a remark about how good the brand was when I was registering.. it didn't make me feel better.

So you can probably guess what happened at my team's first practice of the year. I was too hyped and attempted to play my game without being 100% knowing I should have stayed home instead. In the last game (and it's always the last game, damn it), I sprained the same one crashing the boards and some random decided that it would be a good idea to fall on that ankle as well.

Let me be honest. I will never give birth but last night, I definitely screamed like it. I'm pretty sure that ligament tears is one of the worst types of pain in the world -- maybe second to getting sacked between the legs. As expected, everyone in my family seemed to believe that it somehow was my fault and within my control. Thankfully, Duen offered to take me to the ER to get an x-ray and I was able to avoid some of the angst from my parents until I got home afterwards. It made my night slightly more enjoyable to have company with a friend who was the first person to speak to me when I started going to Zion over 9 years ago.

Let me just say that I officially dislike hospitals -- the sterile smell, the long wait times, and the depressed look on everyone's faces like nobody wants to be there. I haven't been to the ER in years, but this time around I was actually scared that there was some sort of fracture or something worse. Luckily, I dodged a bullet and the doctor just told me that there was some significant ligament damage, meaning crutches for a while and that I should probably pace myself better during rehab and make better judgment as to when I can play again. A bonus? I only waited a bit over two hours and got some good conversation in with Duen.

Looking at my disgustingly contorted ankle, I'd say that 4-6 weeks is a pretty fair assessment, but this is coming down to a race against time. I can no longer heal like an 18 year old, but at the same time, the season starts in about a month. Don't get me wrong, I love to coach and would graciously accept the role if I'm still injured, but I love to play more. Plus, it wouldn't exactly make a great impression showing up on my first day of work on crutches, so please pray for a speedy recovery for me.

On a side note, I got up this morning to a sharp pain and just laid there and thought about how I would react to this latest setback, and you know what? I am so damn sick of feeling sorry for myself. Every bad turn this summer has caused me to throw myself a pity party and I'm so tired of sulking. That was never who I was and that will never be who I am. Trust me when I say this -- I'll be back better than ever, you'll see. Come watch opening night and I'll prove to you that;

a setback is just a setup for a comeback.

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For now, this will do for motivation.