Don't Let the Bones Get Ya Down

This post was originally going to center around the complications of picking a university my senior year of high school and adjusting to college life (pre-pandemic). Basically, how I semi-achieved being a normal university student after a ton of planning and effort.

Then my rib broke this afternoon and I had a reality check.

Don't worry; I'm fine! I'm propped up in bed with an ice pack strapped to my chest, typing along with my left hand as my right lies still so as to not disturb my freshly fractured bone. I rested for a bit, was spoon-fed some ice cream, and now, hyped up on Ibuprofen (exciting I know!), I'm doing homework: business as usual. A very common story in my life.

It was a bit jarring though. I don't get hurt nearly as much as I used to, and now when I do, it's usually the result of physical trauma, like being hit by a flying soccer ball or dropping my laptop on my foot. I do not recommend either btw.

Today was less exciting. I was putting on a sweatshirt when I heard a pop, felt the sensation of being stabbed on my right side, and immediately knew my afternoon plans were going to change. And so, returning to life and writing about advice for achieving a 'normal' college experience seems pretty dumb. Or at least ironic.

Today’s ~predicament~ was a harsh, but necessary, reminder that this situation is not and never will be remotely ‘normal’; there is absolutely no way to completely predict, plan, or advise on situations involving complex and chronic medical conditions.

I had alllllllll these plans for today, and they didn’t happen. My day was shot because my health became an unexpected priority. This is my ‘normal’ reality, and it’s really difficult to grasp until it happens to you.

Yet I’m also here procrastinating in very typical college student fashion because I truly am a typical college student in many ways. I was raised to shape up and show up even if it involves some leeway or creativity, but as I write in these circumstances, I realize I don’t really have concrete guidance to give. The experience of being disabled is incredibly individualistic and complex, and it would be a disservice to try to simplify its dynamics or prescribe a cure-all to everyone’s challenges, including mine. The best help I can give right now is to give a glimpse into one person’s lived experience. Dealing with a broken rib was mine today. And that's more than okay.