Where there’s a Will, there’s a way back

Shenango High junior Will Patton (17) is one of the nation’s top long snappers, but his season ended abruptly when he suffered a torn ACL during a scrimmage. We’re all pulling for his return to the field. — Photo by Susan W. Patton

This one’s for you, Will.

For you, and all the others whose season ended before it even started.

Yes, this one’s for you.

Injuries suck. There’s no polite way to say it. They do.

Your dreams dashed.

Your frustration festering.

Your sport sacked.

I can’t imagine the physical and emotional pain you’re experiencing. I can’t.

But I can promise you this: Those feelings won’t last.

End of the first quarter …

Surgery’s successful.

But, damn, it hurts.

Will this throbbing stop?

Will the swelling subside?

HOW many of those do they want me to do?

Does the ice have to be THIS cold? 

Do I HAVE to use these crutches?

When can I drive?

I can’t imagine all the questions you’re asking. I can’t.

But I can promise you this: Those questions won’t last.

Halftime …

Tomorrow will be a little bit better than today.

Then the next day will be a little bit better than tomorrow.

Then you will plateau. 

Frustration will return during your rehab. 

Your mind will play tricks on you. 

Your body will tell you it will never be the same again.

When that happens, just do the next rep.

Then another.

Then one more.

Follow the wisdom of your physical therapists.

Trust that all the turning, pulling and twisting is the straightest line to complete recovery.

Lift the lightest weight possible.

Add a few pounds.

Then add a few plates.

Walk for 10 minutes. Then 20.

Do another lap in the pool.

I can’t imagine the thoughts that will enter your mind during your recovery. I can’t.

But I can promise you this: Those thoughts won’t last.

End of the third quarter …

Jog.

Then run a little faster.

At some point you’ll begin to cut. It will be scary. Maybe the only thing scarier than what you’re dealing with now. But you will do it.

And then you’ll do it again.

Your biggest obstacle to returning better than ever won’t be physical. It’s all mental.

You’ll want to “baby” your injury.

You’ll be afraid to go all out.

You’ll dread that first hit.

Now it’s time to pivot. On the field and off.

Your feelings will find faith.

Your questions will uncover answers.

Your thoughts will turn into trust.

This is the tipping point, Will. It’s the moment you realize you’ve earned a unique wisdom that few others share.

You’ll know what it’s like to have something taken away from you. In an instant.

And you’ll appreciate it so much more when you return.

You’ll be an even better player.

An even better teammate.

And, in a decade or two, you’ll reflect and smile.

Because what you thought was the painful end was actually the beginning of something new, powerful and lasting.

You’ve already become a better man because of what’s happened.

You just don’t know it.

Yet.

(Tim Kolodziej is the creator of EnspireU.com and author of this piece. You can email him here.)