A Double Edge Sword

I remember what it felt like to run as fast as the wind.

I remember what the wind in my face felt like leaping over hurdles to win a race.

I remember chasing after my children through playground tunnels and swirling slides.

I remember picking them up and placing them on my hip with not a care in the world.

I remember performing my daily crunches to stay in shape.

I remember corking my body to gain maximum force before I brought down the iron to drive through the golf ball.

I remember twisting my body to have my tennis racket meet the yellow fuzzy ball.

I remember the day when lightning bolts captured my lower back, taking me prisoner for days.

I remember when the first white-hot nerve pain snaked down my legs.

I remember when the nerve pain happened the second time; it licked down to my toes.

I remember the nerve pain flashed the third time because I laughed too hard.

I remember the feeling when the stabilizing brace wrestled with my crooked back. It didn’t win.

I remember when sitting up in bed with no pain became an accomplishment.

I remember the day when the doctor told me to give up my favorite sports to avoid further damage to my spine.

I remember details of my back pain versus a life without it.

I remember!

I remember!

I remember!