Rise of Champion from Darkness
(Part 2)
Tony’s fat her got up to take water and then said, “Tony slowly became conscious after 72 hours but he took time to regain memory. We were all delighted. He was in pain because of ribs and shoulder fracture. He was being given heavy antibiotics, pain killers and many other drugs to control infections .X Rays, CT scans and MRI Tests along a long list of blood tests were being done on daily basis. Dr. Hina was very courteous whenever we contacted her to get latest information.
On 8th day of getting admitted, she while briefing about condition of patient said that shoulder surgery was going to be a major surgery because of multiple fractures but diabetes is not getting controlled. On 10th day, orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Andress decided to operate as it was getting too late and he was afraid that bones fixing in right direction could get difficult if further delayed.
It was a long surgery than expected. After procedure, dr. Andress explained in detail position of bones and how badly they were crushed. Muscles were raptured and above all a nerve had been damaged. He looked worried and openly said that he did whatever could be done. In next days, opinion of other orthopedic surgeons was also sought. The wounds did not heal and did not respond to heavy medicines and injections. Then at last doctors decided that fixing of bones was not possible rather infection looked like spreading.
I still remember the time when Dr. Andress cane across me near elevator on at 1st floor. I shook hand with him as usual but he did not say anything rather took me in nearby office holding my hand. I did not have anything in mind about next moments. He closed the door and came near to me, placed hand on my shoulder and said, “Last night we took detailed tests of Tony. Latest reports are not very encouraging. Wounds now have stopped responding to medication. Blood circulation is getting effected.” He paused and my heart beat dropped. I wanted to sit tried to hold myself. He then continued, “I have taken opinion of other renowned surgeons also and no option is left except to amputate arm from shoulder.”
I felt like falling. He felt my feelings and hold me tightly. He then said in a soft tone, “It was not easy for us to take this decision. We are forced to take it. Injury was severe. Life is more precious and for that we have to do it.” He kept on speaking and I was mentally not there. I thought how to tell all that to wife and Mar. Taking steps back to room were not easy. Life outside hospital was more than a dream. There was complete silence in room except light cries of Mary.
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Tony’s mother at that point spoke for the first time, “I could not believe my ears and wanted to kill myself. I wanted to talk to doctors to try some other way but found myself speechless.” Miss Jenifer heard all with patience. She could feel the hard time through which family had passed.
Tony’s father after a long pause spoke trying to control his inner feelings, “Procedure was planned for same evening. I wanted to give whatever I had in exchange of my son’s organ. We were helpless and just saw him being taken to Pre operative room with wet eyes but could not weep openly. I wanted that time to pass on fast speed but it had slowed down “
He then said, “After some hours, Tony opened his eyes. His life had been saved after losing.” He stopped perhaps either did not have words or did not have the courage to utter those words.
Tony’s mother spoke in low voice, “Next days of hospital stay were very disturbing. We did not have anything to share within ourselves or with Tony. The loss of organ was neither discussed with Tony nor complained by him. We could see from his face the pains he was facing but did not say anything. Perhaps he swallowed each pain. We were all tight lipped until I met his friend George’s mother in hospital. She wept like a child in my arms. Her son’s both legs had been amputated from knees. Those were horrifying moments. I rushed to room and thanked God.”
Mary gave glass of water to her mother and brother. Tony’s father said, “At home after discharge, we are still trying to adjust ourselves but life pattern has altogether changed. We are in search of happiness. His O level exams are nearby and he is not able to hold pen in left hand. Tony has lost all friends at school. They curse him for all casualties. Now he wants to learn Marshal Arts to show himself strong and enable to defend himself. I do not have any clear picture of future.”
Miss Jennifer after hearing the traumatic experiences with patience and attention said, “I fully realize your present feelings and the hard time from which you are passing No doubt there are many challenges ahead. I will try my best to rebuild personality of Tony. “She got up and said,” I will be in contact with you and Sir John in coming days.”
Next day, Sir John called Tony and said, “I have studied your case and will take personal interest in teaching your different tricks of Judo and Karate keeping in view your limitations. I know it is not going to be an easy task but I am ready to take this challenge. I would be needing your concentration, constant hard work, cooperation, patience and above all no questioning. By questions, I mean to say that you need to be satisfied what being taught and what not taught.” Tony got happy and promised to be obedient and punctual.
Tony entered in another phase of life. He started learning to operate computer keyboard through left hand and other tools to get work done through voice commands. The school management sought permission for his computer use in exams. In the evening he attended club. Miss Jennifer worked closely with Tony, his family and club management to provide therapy, counseling, and guidance. Through her expertise as a psychologist, she helped Tony and his family navigate the challenges, find strength within themselves, and gradually rebuild their lives.
Tony despite hard work, and tough continuous training in club felt that he was being a different and limited coaching. He started becoming unsatisfied, degraded and depressed. Sir John reminded him of the principles agreed in first days which were patience, cooperation and non-questioning. Tony could not understand the logic behind non questioning but kept quiet.
For weeks, Tony was asked to concentrate on basic stances like foot work and various types of kicks including front, round house, side and back kicks Then he was taught different types of punches and joint locks from left hand. All these techniques were repeated daily several times which helped Tony in gaining confidence and capable enough to fight with the students in club despite his physical deficiency. Tony started enjoying having a fight at club.
One day he came to know that team of Yorkers club was to visit them for a series of fights and was delighted to see his name in team. His parents were astonished on his name inclusion as they still had no idea of his grip and expertise on certain steps. The opposite team members laughed at him and made a lot of fun on seeing him in ring Tony took some seconds to win his fight. The opponents blamed their companion of not playing well and fell before a disabled boy. Sir John showed confidence in capabilities of Tony and sent him to ring to compete with two more players. The result was same. The opponent team was just astonished that how a boy not physically fit had outplayed their three players. That was the start of a new life of Tony. He was no more conscious of his disability, walked with elegance and talked more confidently.
A fortnight later, Sir John contacted Tony’s father and informed about National championship to be held in New Jersy after three months. He disclosed his intentions of sending Tony’s name and his portfolio for qualifying round. Tony’s father first kept quiet and then agreed with some apprehensions and said, “Frankly I am not hopeful of even clearing qualifying round. Do you have in mind the impact of failure on his confidence gained because of your efforts?” He then after a pause added, “For us his success in ring is not so important as his confidence and interest in life. You are quite aware the difficulties we have faced in last many months. Thanks to you and Miss Jennifer.”
Sir John replied,” I do understand your feelings and worries. No doubt it is a risk but he has the potential to overcome difficulties. We will prepare him mentally before his travel.” He then added, “The qualifying round is scheduled in Miami. I will send a responsible and experienced Trainer along him.” He while getting up said, “I am sure you will find many positive changes in Tony on his return.”
A month later, Tony’s parents, Mary, Sir John along his staff and Miss Jennifer gladly stood at Chicago Airport in wait of Tony who had successfully cleared the qualifying round. He because of extraordinary skills, capabilities and Talent was the only one to have gone in 2nd round having disability.
Tony was very happy. He same night arranged a get together of friends at George ‘s house. George and Joe were still very demoralized and had not been able to come out of shock of accident.
In next two months, special several training sessions in ring, extensive physical exercises and many phycological classes were arranged for Tony by club. His diet schedule was altogether changed on advice of expert sports dietician. Sir John was very conscious about Tony’s training and fitness as his success was very much related to future of club and Sir John himself.
At last, the dates approached when National Championship was to be held. It was a four-day program and Tony’s father especially planned for air travel and stay o of family and Mrs. Jennifer at a good standard hotel. Jennifer had recently got married. Seats in stadium were also booked in a front view enclosure. Tony’s father had done all that expenditure for encouragement and morale boosting of his son. Club management was to be headed by Sir John and special banners had been prepared for the occasion. Mary was very enthusiastic for the trip and was also worried about his brother. The family daily discussed about their forthcoming tour
Tony had to show his skills twice on first day at 9pm and 11.15pm. His participation in later stages depended on these two fights. Tony and club management left hotel at 5pm while family members and Mrs. Jennifer reached stadium around 7pm. It was a fully packed stadium and it was very noisy there. Tony’s parents and Mary were to see him fighting for the first time.
At 9pm Tony’s name was announced from sports ring. The heartbeat of whole family got fast. Mary prayed a lot for her brother. Bell rang and both fighters came to center of ring. The other fighter was far more fit and strong but Tony stood like a wall in front of him. He successfully locked opponent’s attack with his single arm and used his leg for side and back kick. The other fighter could not hold the ground and fell down. It was amazing. The whole stadium was stunned as a disabled boy had closed fight within a minute. There was complete silence in opponent camp. Mary and parents could not believe and just stood from chairs clapping. Spectators still waited to hear the result from referee as it was unbelievable. Tony won first fight.
The result of second fight was almost in same pattern. The whole family and club team happily returned to hotel late in night
Tony’s performance in next two days fights was also satisfactory as he won all his competitions There was only one fight on third day in which he faced tough time but at the end result was in his favor. On 4th and final day Tony and his family along club management sat to know the results. Sir John was already too satisfied with the performance. Tony had earned a good name for their club. Tony’s parents and Mary could not believe their ears on announcement that he had earned 2nd position. Tony got silver medal and a cash prize of $15000/. It was a big achievement and it was talk of Town.
Next morning, Mary before leaving hotel proudly saw big pictures of her brother in all newspapers and read his statement
“To me, it is also a surprise to emerge as victorious in all fights against opponents who were of course physically fit and strong than me. I today think, the difference was determination, Discipline and power of self -belief.
This success and confidence are only because of solid and untiring support of my parents, unmatching love of my sister Mary, morale boosting and timely personality building by Mrs. Jennifer my Psychological teacher.
I would have never been here without sincere guidance, moral support, provision of all resources by Sir John, club management and their belief in my capabilities
I am overjoyed today. I hope that my achievement will inspire others to pursue their dreams unconditionally and will never underestimate their potentials.”
Keywords:
Tony
Accident
Amputation
Surgery
Rehabilitation
Orthopedic Surgeon
Disability
Psychological support
Sir John
Club
National Championship
Judo and Karate
Determination
Family
Resilience
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