We had done everything we could to prepare: found an excellent surgeon, scheduled the procedure to minimize impact on her schoolwork, stocked up on medications, and followed every pre-op instruction. Yet, I felt powerless. I wished I could take her pain away.
The Accident That Changed Everything
It all started with a fluke accident during a casual one-on-one street soccer scrimmage in early August. At first, the X-ray suggested she had simply tweaked her knee, and we expected her to be back at soccer practice in two months. But when the instability lingered, an MRI revealed the truth: a completely torn ACL and a possible meniscus tear. The diagnosis meant a four-hour surgery, two grueling weeks of recovery, three months on crutches, and a year before returning to soccer.
On the morning of December 20th, we arrived at the hospital at 8:45 AM. Isabel was remarkably calm. “I’m going to be okay, right?” she had asked when we first learned about the surgery. I told her confidently, “Yes, of course. This happens to a lot of soccer players, and we have an amazing surgeon. We’ll be here to help you every step of the way.” Inside, I was anxious, but she didn’t need to see that.
The First Night: A Test of Endurance
The surgery went well, but the first night was brutal. It took four hours post surgery to get Isabel discharged and home. She was in significant pain but didn’t want to overmedicate. Every movement of her leg brought groans of agony. Hearing her pain was heartbreaking, but amidst it all, she managed to sing softly along to her favorite songs on the drive home. Her resilience gave me hope.
Getting her from the car to her bed was another ordeal, requiring two rolling chairs, our neighbor’s help, and 30 painstaking minutes. But we made it.
Isabel’s Inspiring Resilience
Over the past two weeks, Isabel has amazed us with her strength and determination.
Turning Pain into Progress
Despite the pain, she refused to wallow. I had braced myself for tears and frustration, as other parents had warned me to expect, but Isabel had other plans. On the first night, I nervously offered her adult diapers, thinking she might avoid moving to the bathroom. She looked at me, smiled through the pain, and said, “I’m NOT wearing diapers.” With my help, she used her crutches to make it there herself.
A Sisterly Bond
Her younger sister, Alexis, stepped up in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Usually, they bicker, but during these two weeks, Alexis became Isabel’s biggest cheerleader—gaming with her, watching movies, and keeping her entertained.
Quality Family Time
We canceled all holiday travel plans and spent the holidays together, creating unexpected but treasured memories. We played electric guitar and drums, worked on diamond art projects, watched TV shows like Lie to Me, and played games like Taboo nightly. Isabel even joked that one of my hilarious Taboo mishaps made it into her journal.
Healing, Progress, and Hope
Thanks to physical therapy and Isabel’s resolve, her progress has been remarkable. By day 10, she was managing most tasks on her own. I even walked with her to a nearby Starbucks to get her comfortable using crutches outside. She also got a lot better at getting in and out of a car as we had ample practice driving to and from the physical therapist’s office. What once took 30 minutes now only takes a few.
We’re encouraged by her strength and the body’s incredible ability to heal. With an excellent physical therapist guiding her, Isabel is on her way to a full recovery, and we’ve all grown closer as a family through this experience.
A New Year, A New Perspective
As we step into the new year, this experience reminds me of the power of resilience, love, and finding joy even in tough situations. Isabel’s determination and positivity have inspired me to approach challenges with courage and humor.
To anyone facing their own trials, remember: you’re stronger than you think. Embrace the journey, lean on those you love, and don’t underestimate the power of small victories. Sometimes life forces us to pause, reset, and focus on what truly matters—and in those moments, we find our greatest strength.
Here’s to a new year filled with hope, growth, and heartwarming memories.
Lei