Many Months Later...

"I must lose myself in action, lest I rather in despair."

The story that I am about to tell you is not a very interesting one but somehow it has changed most of everything in my life presently.I still remember, somewhere in February this year(2008)...the atmosphere was fantastic on that day, the people are very ambitious, they are talking about one thing, tonight friendly's match(futsal) against a team that i used to played with before. I and a few of my friends are busy preparing ourselves as we look for a victory against them. The game started very well. I have done my job and played my part very well by providing my striker with great and excellent passes of the ball. We take the lead by few goals and as the Skipper(caiptain) of the team, I felt the victory is on our side."A man who has no problems is out of the game." That is the best line of words which described what happened next.I was running with the ball, avoiding tackles from the opponents as I see an opportunity to send a "screamer" pass the goalie. I took my chance, I jumped and as I tried to land on my right leg, it suddendly changed its direction with the leading out, twisting the knee; then followed by a loud popping sound (pop!)."

The anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL) is one of the four major ligaments of the knee.The ACL is the most commonly injured knee ligament and is commonly damaged by athletes. The ACL is often torn during sudden dislocation, torsion, or hyperextension of the knee. Swelling that is usually attributed to bleeding from the tear may cause pressure and some discomfort, but ACL injuries are never severely painful. It is a very common injury in football, hockey, skiing, skating (and other field sports) due to the enormous amount of pressure, weight, and torque the knee must withstand. Sudden high pressure contact, especially side on. Generally if the knee is locked, and the leg is firmly planted, then there is a much greater risk of injury"...Wikipedia.

Thats it. My friend took me to the specialist nearby and the doctor (Dato' Dr. Syeid) said "the most encouraging aspect of the bad news is you have a torn ACL". That should be the last thing that I want to hear from a doctor.I cried like a boy in front of everybody probably thinking of what is going to happen next. I am flashing my self on a wheel chair, with crouches...not be able to jump, to run like the wind,to kick the ball as hard as before and most of all...to have the same passion and desire on the field due to my limitations."When we have lost everything, including hope, life becomes a disgrace, and death is a duty." I have no word to described my feeling at that time.6 hours of surgery,2 weeks in the hospital, 10 weeks with crouches, 10 weeks of physiotheraphy (I hate those electric device that they used to stimulate my muscle) and "6 month on the sideline at least" said the Doctor."Just remember, even the original ACL could not hold on and went missing, what you got with you right now is only a spare one". Thank you doctor for your "encouragement".

"I have missed more than 1000 shots in my playing time. I have lost almost 100 matches. On severals occassions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life.But...when you lost a game, nothing is lost; when your character is lost, all is lost."

I will be back. =)