Blog #6

Long essay #2 Brainstorm


I have already written my second long essay. I actually wrote two. I deleted the first essay because after I thought about it I realized that maybe it wasn't a story worth telling. Although important to me it might not have been right to tell it. It ruins the reputation of my ex boyfriend. I wrote it because I felt that it would help me to get over my 6 year relationship, that by the end was completely ruined. It did help to get the story out on paper but it wasn't right to post it.

After writing that essay I realized I needed to find a new topic. Getting that story out in writing made me realize that there is a story that has been fighting to get out for 24 years. The story of my birth defect. I was born with Club Foot.  I have been living with this issue my whole life, it is a part of me. I grew up with a large scar on my ankle. I had restrictions from certain activities and minor pain. Living with this always made me aware that although I am luckier than most people who have this defect that I needed to live my life with caution. I knew that I needed to write this story because it is something I have always needed to come to terms with. I believe that it is the perfect story for me to write at this time because I am dealing with a struggle at this very moment.

I have lied to everyone about my current injury. Not out of malice but for the simple fact that it is easier to explain and less embarrassing. My current injury is due to my weak ankle. The bone reconstructive surgery that I had at a year old has allowed me to walk and function properly. Unfortunately due to the lack of Technology in 1991, my surgery was not as affective as they are today. My bones are still weak and my foot is not properly supported. I started noticing pain in the spring of 2013. It wasn't everyday and it wasn't constant. I just believed this was a side effect of my weak ankle. I pushed the pain away and suffered through it because I didn't want to deal with it. Soon I started working in New York city and during my commute the pain would be unbearable. Finally one day in August I was at my second job when I went to pick up a tray of drinks my ankle gave out. I fell to my knee while soda and water drenched me. Thats when I realized that this pain was too much to handle. I went to the doctor the following week. He took X-rays, we made an appointment to get an MRI, and this Monday I got my results. My tendons and nerves are fine, which was great to hear. But as my doctor expected he believes I need surgery. He is working on finding me a bone surgeon that I can meet with and see what can be done. I am to wear the boot and see him every two weeks until we can figure out a game plan. To say that I'm terrified is an understatement. But I know that this is something I need. If I am in pain now what will it be like when I am 40? 50? 60? I need to get this problem fixed right away.

So I got away from what the post is really supposed to be about and that is brain storming. But I guess that is a description of my brain storming. This is something that is going on right now in my life and it is a important component of who I am as a person. So that is why I chose to write my essay on this subject and tonight in class I am going to revise and edit my piece. My focus is to be informational and descriptive because most people have never heard of my situation. But I also want to focus on the part that I am a new person because of swimming. I picked the only sport that doesn't require shoes and although that sounds crazy I found it liberating. I think this is an important experience for me to share.