As many of you may (or may not) know, yesterday I underwent a second surgery on my arm to repair damage done over the course of several years of gymnastics and cheerleading.
The original surgery took place ten years ago, and they placed a metal rod with seven screws in my left arm, and made several corrections to the top of my wrist. This surgery was done my senior year of high school, crushing any hopes of ever cheering again, and doing what I love. I remember feeling as if it shattered my dreams and it took away such a great passion. Heck, being on a mat, flipping was all I had known for over a decade. To imagine my final year of high school sitting on the sidelines was devastating.
What I didn’t know then, and what I do know now, is that God had much greater plans for me. First it would be college, then it would be New York City, and then it would be falling in love and chasing dreams I never knew possible. Today I feel a sense of gratitude for that sudden change in plans… the drastic end to one chapter that allowed for a brand new beginning.
Today as I wait on the couch for my body to heal, I’m not only binge watching a full season of House of Cards, but I am overcome with a number of feelings. I’m remembering what it felt like ten years ago waking up from the surgery that changed it all. I am thinking about the wisdom and experience I have gained since then. I’m looking ahead to what’s next, once I can get a real shower that is. You would think with all the technology out there now, that casts could get wet these days. But no, nothing has changed.
I’m thankful to be sitting next to my mom, that hasn’t changed either. She knew to bring me the largest Arby’s chocolate shake and a few orders of curly fries too. I’m also thankful for prayer and my faith that surrounds me. I read this scripture the night before surgery, and a sense of calmness came over my body.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you…” – Jeremiah 29 : 11-13
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