Chapter 21...Errr I mean 1 ?!?!?

Once In A Lifetime...
I never knew that I would actually go to Paris, France let alone do what I am about to do today.  I had studied French culture and language in high school and had become very fluent.  But, as a wishful teenager, I never imagined this!  Here I stand on top of the Eiffel Tower with several close members of my family and friends waiting for the woman that won my heart.  Before we knew love, we had helped each other through every possible hardship and enjoyed a very fulfilling happiness that has enriched my life.  As everyone was seated and the bride-to-be gracefully glided down the aisle, the ceremony began.  She was wearing a beautifully designed dress that fit her and the occasion perfectly.  I just hope that she is wearing my favorite color panties and matching bra underneath to keep me "up" and ready for an all nighter.  Let's skip ahead to the good stuff...  "I am one of the luckiest men on this earth.  Although we found each other by unconventional means, we managed to form a strong friendship, that very patiently, turned into a lovely relationship.  I wasn't looking for, nor did I expect this to turn into this GREAT romance laced with compassion, trust, and complete admiration.  We have come a long way these past four years and still today, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, the one that I most want to talk to, and my true confidant.  I stand here now before family, friends, and, most importantly, GOD as your biggest crush, your bestest friend, and now your husband.  I love you baby!" I said.  As I stood there with nothing but love in my heart and tears forming in my eyes, I knew why we met that night.  She has turned out to be everything that I have ever needed and the best thing is that those strong feelings slowly crept up.  Before I knew it, I was in love with my best friend.  There was a pause as the whole crowd waited for a response.  Then, all at once, there was a loud BOOM!  The door flung open and there I lay in my bed.  All of that noise woke me up.  "Hello, we are here to help you sir," a paramedic spoke.

Chapter 20

Who Wants It More....?
It was me versus their best in a winner-takes-all brawl to the finish.  When I moved to the right, he shadowed me to the left.  When I threw at his head, he threw at my feet.  The pressure was mounting and I enjoyed every single moment of it.  Then, I got the ball and decided to give it my all with one direct hit.  I threw it at him with all of my might.  At this point, I remember everything as if it was in slow motion.  BOOM! It hit him hard.  He clinched the ball to his chest with both hands.  All he had to do is maintain control and we would lose.  I could only watch so I stared him down.  The ball shifted positions and slid down his side.  Further, further, further until he could no longer grasp it.  The ball landed on the ground and all I heard was one great big roar.  Chants of Ricky, Ricky, Ricky...!  There I was, standing tall, proud, and full of excitement.  My team had crowned me as one of their leaders as we rejoiced in our victory.  I did it!  I did it!  Mom, Chad, and everybody; I did it!  That was one of my happiest and most defining victories in my life.  As a fourth grader that was the biggest battle of my life.  I had no idea what was to come...  I woke up like I did many times before when someone entered my room.  With all that was going on and all that was on my mind, I could never really get any good sleep.  On the rare occasions that I drifted off, I would always get interrupted.  "Good afternoon Ricky!" my physical therapist said.  "Huh?  Baby I won," I murmured.  "Ricky, it's me Carla.  Are you ready for therapy?" she asked.  "Oh, I'm sorry.  I think I was day dreaming or sleep or something.  Let me wake up.  I'm really sorry," I explained.  "No problem.  I know it must be rough for you," Carla said.  I sat up in bed to gather my thoughts and prepare mentally for a work out.  By this point, I could walk without a walker but I still needed to hold on to Carla's arm for support.  She had me do leg raises and leg band strengthening exercises.  "Oh man.  I never realized how weak my leg muscles had gotten," I told her.  There was an elastic band affixed to the rear leg on a chair with the other end attached to my corresponding ankle.  I couldn't even pull my leg all the way forward to tighten the band.  "It's okay.  You have been immobile for a good period of time.  You will get your strength back," she assured me.  I gotta get better because I wanna see my baby and hold her tightly in my arms and tell her how I feel...