Two Years Later: The emotions and the Growth

April 9th, 2011

2 years have pasted since the split second that changed me. It is extremely hard to go through this day without experiencing every emotion I felt that day all over again. I feel the heat, humidity, the sweat on my face, the joy from scoring the first goal of the season, and the harsh reality of what happened next. They seem to take over and bring tears to my eyes. Even though I still dont know why this happened to me, I understand more and more everyday how this is part of MY JOURNEY.

If it weren't for April 9th I wouldn't of...

Shared everyday amazing moments with my parents, appreciating them more and more daily
Got to watch my brother be a awesome hockey player and cheer him on
Become best friends with my sister again and spend time with my nephew (her black lab Tyrone)
Grown deeper in my FAITH and learned a lot from the community at Red Rocks Church
Coached a super talented bunch of 11/12 year olds who make me smile everyday
Become a yogi with my mom and a coffee connoisseur with my dad
Established long lasting relationships with friends from the past
Started on a road towards a broadcasting career
Supported my friends as they accomplished their goals, got new jobs, and won gold medals
Attended many weddings - sharing in the love, laughter, tears, and of course the dancing
Contemplated getting inked
Spent my first full year in Colorado since I was 17 (and loved every season)
Vacationed -- that's right, actually vacationed
Watched new friendships bloom with people I have always looked up to
Believed in myself, doubted my strength, cried over my knee, appreciated my scars, laughed at myself, and realized I have a deeper strength then I could of ever imagined



2 years is a long time. And although before this day 2 years ago, I had much different plans for these years then those I listed above, I couldn't be more grateful for where life took me. There were amazing ups and there were big downs and a lot of learning along the way. I know now I don't have to be strong every second of my life -- this is a biggest lesson I have learned. And although I have always been biased, I fully believe my family is the most amazing group of people in the world.

~the whole gang at a wedding last summer~
They were strong when I couldn't be. There were many days when I didn't even like who I was and couldn't believe how I was acting. It amazes me that they somehow comforted and loved me throughout this time. I can't even express all they have done for me and feel so grateful for their love and support. 

Today I feel and accept where I am right now. I believe and TRUST I am exactly where I am suppose to be. Most of my days now are filled with thoughts of how healthy I feel, how strong I have got, and how I am the happiest I have been in a long time. After my injury, I knew it would take me a while to get back to playing. I remember thinking to myself, I will play again in two years. Now that time is here and can't wait to see what the future holds :)

As for now, I will feel the impact of this day.
Accepting all my emotions and when tomorrow comes... I will continue to move forward and unfold the journey that awaits me. 

Comments

  1. Hi jordan-

    Lindsay Horan tweeted this blog and, being a former rush player and having played with you a few times in indoor over winter breaks, I had to click on the link.

    I just wanted to say that I am so glad you are doing this. It is something that's missing for girls out there who think that one or two knee surgeries ends their lives and careers. Well, for me, I am having my 8th surgery in May (blown out both ACLs multiple times, torn cartilage, etc) and feel connected and appreciative to the sport more than ever as I face lucky number eight (we hope) in just a month. I certainly know where you are coming from, I can really respect where you are coming from. Thanks for posting this; it's nice to see someone else is also in somewhat the same boat as I am.

    Hope all's well,
    Camille Solarte

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Camille,

      Sorry for the overly delayed response as I am just now realizing I can receive comments and reply! Hope all is well with you and I appreciate you sharing a bit of your story with me. I hope your surgery went well last year and you (and your knee) are doing well now. I am starting "The ACL Club" website as a way for people to come get information and also to develop a community. Look out for it soon and I hope you will be willing to share your story of perseverance there with everyone:)

      Talk soon, Jordan

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