As I wrote about a few weeks ago, I had been facing a monumental decision. And this Friday is the day. It’s when I am having surgery to repair my left knee. To mark the occasion and express my gratitude for all of the years my knee has served me, and hope for all of the stronger years ahead, I wrote my left knee a letter. It’s one of my coping mechanisms.

Dear left knee,

What a ride, am I right? Sometimes I think maybe things could have been easier for you if I had chosen a sport that hadn’t required me to single leg squat every single time I threw a shot. Over and over. Hour after hour after hour. Day after day. Week after week. And year after year after year. 

You’ve served me so well so I don’t want you to think you did anything wrong. I have so much gratitude for our journey together. You led me to a collegiate national championship. Twice. Multiple WORLD Bowler of the Year titles. I’ve stepped up on the medal podium over 70 times because of you. 

You are tenacious. Persistent. And whenever I fell down – you helped me get back up. 

But here we are. You’re needing a bit of help. This was a big decision. For us both. But my heart is telling me we have to do this, and you know me and my intuition. I always follow it. 

This feels scary. I won’t deny I feel that too. Sometimes what feels uncomfortable and scary is the right choice.  

We both know there aren’t many great things that come from staying in the safe zone. 

When it’s done, I want to assure you that I’m going to do ALL the work after. The physical therapy. I won’t take it lightly. I’m going to push as hard as I’ve ever pushed in anything. Even though I just won a title, I do not believe our work on the lanes is done.

So, left knee…. Let’s do this. 

To the surgeons at the University of Chicago, I trust you too. I know you’ll make us strong so that we can walk all over Europe on trips with Madden, Jersey, and John. So that we can visit our friends in Australia. So that we can discover a beautiful place next year for our 20th wedding anniversary. And so that we can continue to make magic on the lane – one single leg squat at a time.

With so much gratitude,

Diandra