Coming Back After a Another Torn ACL

By Margaret from New Jersey

One afternoon last October, I was sitting at the hair salon when my cell phone rang and an unfamiliar number popped up.  On the other end was my daughter’s soccer coach telling me that Sarah had landed “funny” on her knee and seemed to be in a great deal of pain.  My heart sank.  I sat there with foils on my hair, staring at the mirror in front of me in utter disbelief.  How could this be happening again? 

Sarah had torn her ACL and meniscus two years ago during a middle school soccer game.  After surgery, it had been a long, tough road, but she worked hard and was finally deemed as good as new.  She had just started high school and was so excited to finally be playing again. 

It had been very hard for me to sit and watch her play as her high school career began.   I sat at each game praying that nothing would happen to her.  Every time an opposing player came in contact with her I held my breath.  After a few games the knot in my stomach started to fade and I began to feel more comfortable.  Maybe she would be okay.  After all, like her father, she LOVED soccer and couldn’t imagine not playing.  It made her so happy and it was all she really wanted to do.  The day of the call was her fourth game back. 

Telling her that she would need to go through this whole ordeal again – on the same knee -- was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  After spending a weekend crying together on the couch and watching movie after movie, we were able to move forward.   Sarah decided to have reconstructive surgery again as soon as possible with the goal being to be ready for next season. 

It’s been five months since her second surgery and Sarah has been more determined and worked harder than the last time.  I’m constantly inspired by her focus and dedication.  She’s counting down to May 28th when she will be cleared to start playing again.  I’m scared to death and not sure how I’ll be able to sit and watch her play.  Although I don’t think that I would choose to play again if I were her age, I respect her passion and admire her devotion.  As hard as it will be, I know that I’ll be there when she steps on the field again.  I’ll be cheering her on and saying my prayers.