In The Game

It was the bottom of the third inning in the Human Resources versus the Finance Departments Spring softball game. It was my turn at bat for HR with the score five to three in favor of Finance. I stepped to the plate as the CFO positioned himself as Catcher. I was poised to drive our first home run with the bases loaded, putting us firmly in the lead. The pitcher adeptly threw the softball to pass directly over the plate in front of me as I put my whole strength behind the swing. The bat had hardly moved when I felt a piercing pain at the instant the Catcher and I heard the pronounced crack. I hit the ground in agony, grabbing my right foot that was already beginning to swell. Not only did I not accomplish the intended home run, but the subsequent trip to the emergency room resulted in us being delayed over three hours for our family motor home trip to Kings Dominion. Pride and determined anger over the painful inconvenience of a broken foot drove my insistence on not altering our weekend plans. I struggled to “have fun” through the pain and discomfort only to find that healing must have its way if it is to be successful. It did not accomplish its objective, however, as I consistently interrupted its journey to full recovery. Eighteen years later the “nerve entrapment” that resulted from the interrupted healing process takes its toll in my daily walk. Pride and anger over inconvenience have mostly vacated the premises. There is room now for hope and thankfulness that allows targeted exercise and persistent movement that have paved the road toward slowing the degenerative path of the neurological beast. Attending to one’s needs carries greater healing value than succumbing to the pride and anger of a momentary determination to have one’s way. Consequences come in many varieties! Experience has taught which ones are wise.