Pratibha did her knee surgery a year and a half ago. She'd been carrying an ACL tear for about 4 years leading up to the surgery. I categorically deny that a supremely accurate zinger from me during a dodgeball game had anything to do with the torn ACL. I strongly maintain that my throw only exposed the inherent weakness of the knee. Toward the later stages of the injury she used to randomly dislocate her knee while out and about. Sharp pain for a few hours and a couple of days with us fussing around her. It's possible she enjoyed these short breaks. All through this she continued with her Bharatnatyam classes with Rohini Herur and Laasya School of Dance. That was the one hook that kept her active.
When covid struck and classes stopped is when she seriously considered the surgery and finally did it. I wouldn't lie .. the first couple of months were very difficult. I remember having to carry her to her first couple of sessions of physiotherapy and her hobbling with crutches for the first several weeks. For someone who prides herself on being self made and independent .. it was hard to depend so much on others. Shout out to Sona and Megha for keeping the house running and keeping her spirits up through this phase. Also, big thanks to Josh and co at Select Physical Therapy at Rancho Bernardo for their help.
Progress was slow and steady but all through Pratibha clung on to her dream of continuing her passion for dancing. Frequent meet ups with Anusha Radhakrishnan .. her dance partner who always believed in her and was confident she would make it back helped tremendously to keep her motivated. I was forced to become a believer when her single legged squats started going lower than mine. I was beginning to wonder if my knees needed an evaluation. As she slowly got back to being active she resumed her classes with 1-1 sessions with Rohini. 1-1 progressed to classes with her old group .. and finally a performance at the California center for arts in Escondido.
So proud of her for the progress she's made and the distance she's covered. Not only did she chase down her passion, she stayed happy and cheerful through the journey .. a true life lesson for me.
