Broken Leg, Broken Spirits

by Christopher
(Chicago, Illinois, United States)

I recently moved from Austin, Texas to Chicago, Illinois to peruse improv. I had been doing quite well for myself, and was on my way to becoming more successful. My luck changed one night when I slipped on some ice while walking outside and broke my leg.

Since breaking my leg I have had to deal with a lot of feelings of grief and depression. The seven stages of grief are very real, and dealing with them didn't always come easily. I lost my job, and ran out of money. I had to return home to live with my parents. Still, I never gave up hope no matter how bad things got.

I'm thankful that I had people around me to support me. I think that this was the biggest advantage I had, and I would advise anyone dealing with grief not to shut others out. It was incredibly hard for me to deal with feelings of helplessness while I watched my dream slip through my fingers as I just couldn't make enough money to sustain without my old job.

I was in love with the idea of my life the way I wanted it to be. However, the life I still have is worthy of my love as well. Breaking my leg wasn't the end of the world. Though it was hard for me at times not to give up, I'm glad I didn't. Because now, in retrospect, my life is completely worth living for and loving.

Unexpected loss can be difficult, but not impossible. Stay strong, stay smart, and stay with family.