My senior year in high school was supposed to be my ticket out of this boring small town. Football season was coming and I was trying to get in shape. Two colleges had contacted me about possibly offering me full-ride scholarships. God how I wanted out of this place!
I started working out early in the summer to get ready for the season. I had to be ready! I had to impress the scouts that the schools were going to send. Early one Saturday morning I went out for my morning jog. I had only gone about a mile when I stepped awkwardly into a pothole in the street and turned my ankle! It immediately started swelling. I could see the end of my football career before my eyes. I had no idea how bad it was.
My dad took me to the doctor and after a series of x-rays the doctor determined that it wasn't broken, but just badly sprained. I was relieved, but I knew this was severely going to impede my conditioning process. There was no way I could get ready for the season. All the way home from the doctor I sulked like a 2 year old. Dad knew I was upset. He patted me on the shoulder and said, "Tim, I know you were counting on getting ready this summer, but I have an idea. You know Larry, my best friend right?"
"Sure, dad!"
"Well, Larry is a physical trainer. He might have some ideas about how you can take care of that ankle. He might even help you keep on an exercise regimen while your ankle heals. I can give him a call if you like."
I was skeptical, but desperate. "Fine, dad. Give him a call."
That next Friday Larry showed up at the house early in the morning after Mom and Dad had left for work. I hobbled down stairs on my crutches and opened the door for him. He was wearing shorts and t-shirt. In my laziness, I was only wearing some gym shorts.