Exactly one year ago today, I heard what I can only describe as a newspaper being ripped in half. Only, it wasn't a newspaper, it was my right ACL tearing away from my tibia bone. 2 physical therapists, 3 doctors and 2 months later I had finally learned I had a complete rupture of my ACL. What followed was a painful 2.5 hour reconstructive knee surgery, hours of endless, painful physical therapy for months until, finally in January 2011, I was given the ok to start dancing full out again. But that wasn't the end of it. Even today, one year after I heard that life-altering tear, I'm still dealing with the after effects. I am not completely back to 100% but I'm close.
Most importantly, I'm dancing again....and, I'm performing! And what a great way to celebrate this insane anniversary than a weekend full of dance! I performed at Alvin Ailey yesterday and today, back with the company I love, JKDC.
Last year at this time I was sitting on my bed with ice on my knee in tears. This year, even though I'm sitting on my bed with ice on my knee in tears, it's for different reasons. It's amazing what a difference a year can make. The endless hours of tears and painful PT have paid off. Tonight I sit here in tears, remembering this past year and what it has taught me. This blog was created because of my knee and going back through all my posts....well, while I never want to have to go through the past year ever again, wow it taught me a lot - about myself, about other people, about facing challenges head on - being so disciplined that I was able to sit on the floor of my room for up to 8 hours at a time rehabbing my knee by myself.
I am so thankful and grateful to everyone who helped me through this past year. For all the emails/texts/calls/messages....I believe that because of YOU I was able to get back to where I am today. Because of people like you, I was able to keep my chin up and keep pressing ahead.
So, basically this is my THANK YOU! for everything you have done for me, especially all the lessons you have taught me this past year. You will never know how grateful I am to have you in my life. I am SO thankful for YOU! xoxo
"It's almost there. I've come to the conclusion that it's always going to hurt a little because of the pounding on it. Now I can really tumble on it, and my body is doing well besides that. I'm pretty lucky. There were a couple of skills that we decided would be best to completely throw away, just because of extreme twisting, the landing or the take-off. Finding the confidence to really trust your surgery leg is hard. So there are a few skills that I was really hesitant on, and we decided to try something else....Yes, the motto I've been living by is that it will all be worth it in the end. I've gone through times of frustration because of my knee, or because I'm older now and can't push myself as much, and on the hard days, I tell myself that it will all be worth it. Nothing can replace the pride you feel from getting on the podium at the Olympics." -Shawn Johnson-
