Grit, luck, and tolerance.

It’s frustrating to have to experience again and again. A 5 minute explanation, a 2 minute diagnosis, and 25 euro later I’m back in my car wondering whether they got it right this time.

I’m convinced each person has only one medical professional whom they blindly trust. Mine was thousands of kilometers away unfortunately. But my trust was rewarded. Be it nearly three months later. Even then, there were more than one visit to the ‘specialists’.

The timing is horrible. It always is. I doubt there has ever been a injury which came at a good time. None the less, there are solutions. Some more practical than others; and some more long term.

The ‘career-ending’ conversation is had. Its like the monster in a horror movie. The more you talk about it, the more real it becomes. The last time might actually have been the last time.

“and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”

But, they try and encourage me. Though I try and ignore it, reality is gnawing at my heels. I have the normal reactions. Denial. Grief. Self-pity. And eventually peace. It is what it is, and we are where we are.

The fates have cast their judgement. The curtain call is imminent. Though perhaps a little grit, luck and pain tolerance may persuade them to allow one final encore.

“What I think I’ve been able to do well over the years is play with pain, play with problems, play in all sorts of conditions.”

Roger Federer