Longhorn in Paradise

For those of you who have played basketball with me, you know that my game consists of a couple things....a three point shot and a saweeeeeeeeeet fade away. Well, I have added monster rebounding to my reportoire as well. And that is where the story begins.

Last Saturday I awoke at 6:45am to get ready for basketball. I play every Saturday morning from 7:30am to about 11am. There are a couple churches within a few miles of our house that have pick-up games going on. I had just gotten a new pair of basketball shoes and decided to go with hi-tops this time. I normally play with low-tops with reinforced heel support and they have served me well...but in the interest of protecting my aging ankles, I figured it was time to get me a pair of hi-tops. So, I strapped those on, bundled up and headed out into the blustery Tulsa morning.

We play 5 on 5 and it looked like this morning would be a bit rough...the sides appeared a bit lopsided and one of my teammates said "you are going to have to have a monster game if we are going to win this one." I concurred and told him that was why I showed up. He gave me a look, so I explained "well, I don't come here to suck." A quick aside...I am normally pretty soft-spoken when I first start playing with a new group, but open up over time...I guess I had decided it was cool to start really opening up because this was the first time I talked smack.

Anywho, the game started and I drove the lane for a quick bucket. After a miss, we took the ball back up and I put up a three that banked in (no, I didn't call glass). We were up 3-0 in a game to 11. Next time down the court, another stop and we were back on offense. Again, we moved the ball around and I got it back and drove the lane. I put up a floater that bounced high off the rim. I went right back up and snatched the rebound and brought the ball behind my head with both hands ready to put it back up...

That is when everything went into slow motion....I felt another foot under mine...I looked down to see my ankle rolling out at an impossible angle....I heard the distinctive pop...I crumpled to the ground.

Now, this all took place in a millisecond, but it seemed like slow motion. I popped right back up, uttered a few of my choicest cuss words and started hopping around the gym trying to "walk it off." I made it to about half court and crumpled again. What in the world! I had never felt such pain. Why was I being such a wuss about a twisted ankle?!?!? My teammates helped me over to a chair while another ran to get some ice. I elevated it and iced it for the rest of the morning. But, damn, it was still REALLY painful to walk to the car. I couldn't drive, so a buddy drove me (the family and I just happened to be having breakfast with he and his family after b-ball anyway). I had him stop at the drug store and get me some crutches. Man, did I feel like a wuss. I just couldn't handle the searing hot pain that shot up my ankle with every step.

We had breakfast, went home and I elevated it and iced it and walked around on it to keep it loose the rest of the weekend. By Sunday night, I knew something was different about this particular ankle sprain. I talked to my boss and we agreed I shouldn't travel this week. Kat called the neighbor (who is a doctor) and set up an appt. for me on Monday morning.

Monday morning, the doc checked me out, sent me in for some x-rays and then, without giving me any information, sent me to the "casting room" which they assured me had nothing to do with getting a part in a movie. I sat in the casting room waiting for the doc and marvelling at the tools in this room...there was a power saw, nail gun, pliers...seemed quite like what you would expect to find in a medieval torture room. Anywho, the doc comes in and says "well, it looks like you have a broken fibula." Just like that...no big deal....broken bone. "We'll put a temporary splint on it and then get you to an orthopedic specialist to put a more permanent cast on it.

WOW! 35 years into my life on this planet and my first broken bone! What a momentous occasion that was not being met with the level of gravitus that it deserved. So, I decided to make it a little more dramatic. As he was telling me I would be in a cast for 4-6 weeks and then 3-4 weeks of rehab, I blurted out "Cut to the chase doc...will I ever play basketball again!" (I've always wanted to say that) and after he stopped laughing, he said that I certainly would be able to play again. Which is nice.

Anywho, long story longer, I have been walking around in a can boot since Monday afternoon which I can take off at my leisure and ice down my ankle and take showers, etc. I will be able to travel without the help of crutches and I am very thankful for that.

Favorite reaction so far to my injury:

I talked to my client on the phone the next day and he had his boss on the phone...his boss' first words to me were "so, I hear you are a clutz." A beautiful sentiment.

So, send as much sympathy my way as possible. As I am a Knight male, I have the strength of ten men and will heal thusly. I expect to be hooping before Valentines day. Just don't tell Kat.

Much love to all!

jak