I have torn my ACL.

Well, remember the story about my knee being somewhere it shouldn't? Well, I found out it really shouldn't have been there. I have torn my left ACL. Yes, the exact same injury my son had last fall. When Dr. Figarola gave me the diagnosis, I was completely devastated. As I lay there on the exam table, with tears running down the sides of my face, I could not believe what I heard. I thought about how strong my son had been, he didn't flinch when he heard his diagnosis. Here I lay in a crumble of tears and anger. I was supposed to be fine because there was "no swelling." I was able to walk a half-mile back to the condo with ski boots on. I was able to bend it. I was able to stand on it. I really did not have that bad of pain. How could this be true? As the gentle doctor offers his apology and assures me with information, I sat there stunned, unable to even process it all. I react with such hurt and anger, my husband is totally shocked as well. As I gather my wits and the order for an MRI, I am told I can not work due to the physical demands of my job. I take such pride in my job. I take such a reward from being able to work hard, fast and be spent at the end of the day. This is another crushing blow to me. A minimal 3 months with surgery and rehab. I regret ever complaining about working hard. I regret ever fussing over a busy day. I regret fussing about skiing all day, until completely worn out. I want to run, again. I want to ski, again. I want to do Pilates, again. I want to walk without a limp, again. As my daughter reminded me last night. I really don't have as much stress on me as my son did when he hurt his. He had to use crutches in the hallway at the high school. He had to keep up his grades and schoolwork. He had to realize his football season was over for the year. I am going to have surgery next week. I am going to have to work hard to get back the many things I have taken for granted. Never, ever, regret being tired from a hard day's work. Be thankful. Consider it a priviledge to walk without hesitation and a blessing to run.