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We can’t do it alone

When I write one of these articles, I try to look at you, the reader, and decide what I could say or share that would make your life a little better. Last week’s article was a little different. I wrote that article for you but also for me. I needed to listen to some of my own words. I was right in the middle of my own adversity and needed to take my own advice. Two weeks ago, I was on the soccer field in our adult league. I ran up on a slow-moving ball, planted my left foot, kicked it with my right foot. Immediately my left knee failed and I was on my back. The injury was more complex than first thought.

It took several days for doctors to put all of the pieces together. I was diagnosed with two torn tendons in my quads and had surgery this week. I started rehab and physical therapy. The healing process will take months.

Last Monday night I was in a very bad place. I could not walk and my blood tests didn’t look good. I was in pain and we didn’t have a diagnosis. I was depressed. The phone rang. It was coach and all the boys from the high school soccer team for which I am the assistant coach. They offered prayers and encouragement. It lifted my spirits. This was the night before the regional championship game. I gave them a motivational minute. That call was exactly what I needed at that time. I may have given the boys encouragement. They gave me their love and encouragement. Coach came to my room the next night with the regional trophy.

The kidney doctor popped in last week. He told me my kidneys were fine and I wouldn’t be seeing him again. I was surprised when he showed up the next night. He said, “Don’t worry your kidneys are fine. Your case bothered me and I did some research. He changed my IV fluids and ordered a CT scan. This ultimately lead to the diagnosis of a sports injury and surgery followed by rehab.

I still have a lot of work to do. Already I have learned a lot. Here are a few things;

* We take a lot for granted. We don’t think about getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, getting dressed or driving a car until we can’t do it.

* We can’t do it alone. We always need help. This incident was a big reminder for me.

* We should always reach out to our sick friends and family members. If you are bothering them they will tell you. What if coach had thought, “We don’t want to bother him.” I needed that call. When my wife was in the hospital I watched her spirits rise with every call and text she received.

* You don’t know who your true friends are until something bad happens. My wife has been amazing and she is still recovering from knee replacement surgery. We have had prayers, visitors, drivers, meals and encouragement from family, friends, church family, our Shale Crescent Team and business associates from all over. Our children came home to help.

* The doctors, nurses and staff at the two hospitals I was at were friendly, patient, hard- working, competent and willing to do those to little extras (like a warm wash cloth for my face at night.) Sometimes they were big extras like the doctor who did research to determine what really happened and changed the treatment plan to fix it.

* We need to do our part by being friendly, positive and communicate with our care givers.

* On the way to the operating room I couldn’t help but notice all of plastic products that would not exist without fracking (hydraulic fracturing). This includes medical equipment, IVs, syringes, gloves, and replacement joints to name just a few things. Infection control is the single biggest problem hospitals have. When I was getting an IV put in, I noticed the IV was plastic. More important, the IV was sanitized and sealed a plastic protective wrap to keep it germ free.

* Hospitals are not a good place to get rest and relaxation. Without modern medicine and modern medical equipment from plastics and petrochemicals, me and most of the other patients I was with this week would be dead. That is pretty basic. We need each other in so many ways. This week really sent that message to me. Right now, I can’t walk or go the bathroom without help. We also need others for emotional support.

This might be a good time to count our blessings. Thoughts to ponder.

***

Greg Kozera, gkozera@shalecrescentusa.com is the Director of Marketing and Sales for Shale Crescent USA. He is a professional engineer with a Masters in Environmental Engineering who has over 40 years’ experience in the energy industry. Greg is a leadership expert and the author of four books and numerous published articles.

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