Everyone gets "knocked down" in life at some point. Whether a series of hard jabs or a near knockout punch, we all experience it...such is life. We also know (or should know) a very important key to a "successful" life is the getting back up part, the shaking yourself off, and the keep on, keepin' on. Any Rocky movies coming to mind yet?
Well, I was "knocked down" and presented with a super-sized obstacle on August 15th, 2014.
First, we know that Home Inspections are physically demanding (at least mine are☺) - traversing the rooftops, scaling the attic trusses, and slithering around in dirty crawlspaces is no picnic. Not to mention lugging around tools and equipment, ladders, etc. etc. day after day.
Now if something happens to you or your body and you're not able to perform or do the previously mentioned parts of your job, well that's what I call being down and out. Well, that something happened on that August evening when I broke my left ankle.
Now I wish I had a cool story to share on how it happened, like I fell off a 2-story roof or landed wrong while parachuting or something to that effect, but I don't. The reason?: A crash landing on a trampoline, while at a trampoline park with my kids. I know, I know, maybe I should've just fibbed a little, just for the sake of this blog.
A surgery, a plate and six (maybe it was eight?) screws later, and I was back on my feet, err, make that foot and two rubber-tipped crutches. How would I do my job? I really couldn't "stay down." I had to get back up. I can't sit around all day and mope (although I would've liked to on some.) Then there's all of the medical bills. I had to find a way, after all, this business is our livelihood and source of income.
I had to find and rely on someone with two good feet and that was familiar with what Home Inspections entail. Someone that could help me ensure that the clients' would still be obtaining a thorough and detailed Home Inspection that I've become "known for" throughout Defiance and Northwest Ohio.
And I did. I found a pair of two good feet that just happened to be attached to my wife. So now, in addition to her office, home, and 4 children workload, she now had another "load" to deal with. Did I mention that Defiance and Northwest Ohio is full of crawlspaces - many of which are dirty/nasty, full of cobwebs and critters, and about as much wiggle room as a coffin? Not to mention rooftops and attics, which can be equally daunting at times. How about having to shadow and listen to a grumpy spouse, who's in pain and has a bum foot, all day? What fun!
Well she did it and did it well. I'm not going lie and say it's been a picnic and every day has been cheery and rosy (we should have shot video, 'cause we might've had a hit reality show.) It's been extremely trying, to say the least! ( I had to literally push her, with my good foot, into a few of the extra cobwebby crawlspaces ☺.)
Fast forward to about three weeks ago. I finally got to something I've wanted to do for a long time – trash the crutches. I'm now getting around pretty good (picture a zombie walking) and very soon should be able to start flying solo again, which I'm sure is going to break her heart ;) Matter of fact, today will be my first Inspection without my "help."
We made it past a huge obstacle...down, but not out.
It is truly amazing what love, faith, and family can accomplish. I always feel that things happen for a reason and I've always appreciated my wife and everything she is and has done for me and our family, but this experience just catapulted "everything" into another dimension. She is amazing, in every sense of the word.
Our clients and friends in Real Estate have also been very understanding and wonderful as well – a special thanks to all of you. We are very grateful.
I guess I should also thank the doctors, nurses, rehab staff, and the pharmaceutical manufacturers of the pain pills☺
I still have a road ahead of me until I'm 100% and able to do the things I love, especially running (I think trampolines may be out of the picture though.) The hard part is over, and I know it's just a matter of time, patience, and hard work now.
"Yo Adrian Celena, we did it!"
On a side note: We also just may have stumbled upon a new venture.... a husband and wife Home Inspection team. A concept that we may be implementing in the upcoming year.
Rest assured if it does come to fruition, I certainly know who will be doing the crawlspaces ;)
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