Greg Nottke

          A casual game of tackle football changed the way I look at my life. I was invited to a birthday party a couple of years ago and before I knew it we were all outside heading for a park to play some football. Everyone was having a great time and playing a little rough. I decided to be a hotdog and run backwards to make a hard catch. That’s when it happened. My head made contact with a tree. I slumped to the ground and I guess I was out of it for about 20 seconds. I came around and went right back to playing with the guys. I came home the next day and didn’t even mention what had happened to my parents because I thought it was no big deal and I was invincible. This was on a Sunday. Monday morning rolled around and time for school. I was in the middle of math class when I totally checked out. My friends then informed the teacher about what had happened on Saturday night.

         My parents were called and I was taken to the emergency room. It was then I found out that I had a severe concussion and a possible brain bleed. The doctor said it was not very smart of me to not tell anyone what had happened at the party. I could have gone to bed and never woke up. I realize now that there are things that should be told no matter how trivial you may think they are. Just when I thought nothing could happen to me a simple game of football gave me a trip to the emergency room. Any time anyone plays any kind of sport it should be taken very seriously.

         I now know why my parents worry every time I get in a car. Now I know why they wait up till I get home. Now I know why they always want me to call when I get where I’m going. Now I know why sometimes they say no to certain things I want to do.  I realized after this event that I am not invincible, and I was really lucky. And someday when I have kids of my own I will use this experience to explain to them why something as simple as a football game can change your life forever. Have an open relationship with your parents and don’t be afraid to tell them just because you think it’s not a big deal.