I have played soccer for over 12 years, and in eighth grade, dislocated my knee during a match. A subsequent dislocation in 9th grade required surgery and therapy. Another one in 10th grade required a rigorous one year of physical therapy and use of crutches for six months.
It was the dislocation in junior year that made me realize that it is nonsense for me to play soccer again. Further dislocations can and will enhance the risk of permanent damage to my kneecap.
It was excruciating to give up a sport that I loved, but it was valuable finally to look at things in a macro-perspective. Soccer provided me with short-term satisfaction, but it