“With Every Broken Bone, I Swear I Lived”

How was my weekend? Well, it was quite traumatic yet amazing to say the least.

My weekend started around 8pm Thursday night when I collided knees during a soccer match. Unable to continue the tackle, I hobbled myself over to the sidelines. The next thing I know, my knee is ricochetting with a shearing pain. I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer; Niagara Falls started cascading down my face as I endured the pain in my knee and recollected memories of when I broke my ankle (playing soccer) in fifth grade. Although I was upset about the pain, I was more upset about the potential reality of “temporary” immobility.

Amidst my teary eyes, a flock of angels rushed to my side. So many friends surrounded me offering emotional support and medical advice. I cannot thank my first responders enough. From getting ice to acting as human crutches to sharing your gatorade, and for just being sincere compassionate souls, you all played an important and very much appreciated role. Special shout out to Frieda who did not hesitate to use her car as an “ambulance.” I’d like to mention Kuba who just happened to be passing by the scene of the accident who just happened to work at Wayne State’s sport facilities who just happened to have the keys to the soccer field (I guess I forgot to mention that we hopped a 7′ fence to play soccer). I’d also like to send a shout out to Chad– the little guy who watched the soccer “battle” from the sidelines. I know I will probably never see you again, but thanks for being there and for helping keep my mind off of things for a while. I hope you pick up some kicks, man!

And to the ER crew (Frieda, Ryan, and Chris), thank you! Thanks for being there and for sharing goats-that-scream-like-humans youtube videos. Another special shout out to my sister, Julia, and her boyfriend, Matt, who drove from Ann Arbor to pick me up and take me home. We got home around 3am Friday morning.

Transitioning to day 2 of my spectrum-like weekend, Friday at 10:30. I woke up to discover that my mom had been up since the wee hours of the morning filling prescriptions and calling every UM sports clinic around Southeastern Michigan to schedule an appointment. My mom doesn’t take “no” for answer, so an appointment was made for 12:30 that very same day. As one of the most sincere and helpful people I know, my mom assisted with washing my hair, gathering my things, and trying to be as patient as humanly possible. In her zealous efforts to help and “do what the doctor says,” my mom gave me two vicodin pills and a pill that is supposed to suppress inflammation.

Needless to say, the three pills that I consumed essentially put my body into an overdosed state. On the way to the UM sports clinic, I was experiencing intense dizziness and drowsiness. I had no idea what was happening to my body and getting lost did not aid the situation. My mom parked in front of the clinic and rushed in to get a wheelchair. Getting my body from the car to the wheelchair was the most challenging two feet that I have ever moved in my life; it felt like I was crossing the Mississippi River without an ounce of energy. But like the soccer field, another set of angels rushed to my side. The information desk clerk helped wheel me into the building. A receptionist bought me a bottle of orange juice to help restore my sugar levels. Everyone was doing everything that they could to help me. Quickly taking my vitals, the nurses realized that I had to be hooked up to oxygen ASAP as my oxygen saturation level was 82%. Shaking on the sterile table with a plastic nozzle up my nose and thinking that this could be my last day, I was scared out of my mind. I felt trapped, hopeless, and afraid. Real life didn’t come back until I started eating a yogurt that one of the nurses so generously gave to me.

Things could have very well had a different outcome on Friday, but continued “watch” prevented that from happening. I am so thankful to all of the staff who literally brought me back to life. The Friday concluded with meeting a very nice man/employee at TGI Fridays and exploring Ann Arbor’s art fair– thanks mom and dad for pushing me around!

And along comes Saturday: MRI day. Given my history of having to be put to sleep for MRI testing, I was slightly nervous to be inserted into the giant hollow cannoli machine. My mama bear was along my side until I went into the hollow cannoli room. Luckily, I was able to keep my teddy bear with me during the testing. Yes, I still have a teddy bear, and he goes with me everywhere (Well, kinda). Prior to the actual testing, I had a very nice conversation with an older man who used to live in Detroit who has since moved to the South Lyon suburbs. He provided great insight about the city’s history and his personal place within it. Sitting in attractive hospital gowns did not detract from the gravity of the meaningful conversation.

Sunday: Day of rest
Another “well, kinda” moment. I hate sitting still. I was somehow miraculously bearing weight on my knee and walking a little bit. This was a huge step forward (no pun intended) because when I injured myself, I thought for sure that I wouldn’t be walking for another six months.

Monday: Judgement day
“So, Miss Burke, it looks like you have a bone bruise and a slight muscle tear. You need to take it easy, but you should be back to full running/jumping capacity in a month.” Oh my goodness, my heart raced for joy as soon as I heard this. You have no idea how happy this made me. I have had my fair share of being temporarily disabled when I was out of commission for about six months when I broke my ankle.

As the saying goes, you never realize what you have until it’s gone. Reflecting on my experience in Detroit, all of the conversations, adventures, dances, and truly, the majority of my work have been made possible by being a fully able-bodied individual.

I cannot convey how blessed I am to have the prognosis that I received. I can also not accurately convey how very blessed I am for all of my wonderful friends and family. “Thank you” does not sum it up, but thank you.