School has been rough this year - but the one thing Sierra LOVES is cheering.
She is good at is, too.
Her very essence as an encourager makes her a sweet, kind, genuinely enthusiastic cheerleader. Her work ethic makes her a good one.
She has been battling a shoulder injury since July. Her right shoulder subluxes (mini-dislocates) at both the shoulder joint and the collar bone. It is very painful. Sierra has this crazy high pain tolerance, and with the PTs permission, she has been pushing through the pain.
She has been progressing in PT and was just cleared to stunt again about a week ago. Though we knew her shoulder was fragile, and we had the PT tape it before every practice and game, we were hopeful that things were improving.
Tonight, right after half-time, the girls were cheering through the school song. It was just a cheer. No stunt. Nothing scary. Mid-way through I saw Sierra freeze for just a second, our eyes connected instantly, I knew. She did a few mini arm movements trying to push through the pain. Then with tears in her eyes she mouthed to me, "it popped." Sierra never cries publicly, but she could not stop a few little tears from leaking out of her beautiful eyes tonight. Silent tears of sadness, pain, fear, and frustration.
She saw the on-site trainer. She tried another cheer - but the pain of lifting her shoulder above shoulder height was too unbearable. I promise you, that was some serious pain. She is one tough cookie. For her to sit out half of Homecoming, she HURTS.
So she ended the game with an ice pack taped to her shoulder, and a brave smile pasted on her face.
UGH!!!!!! I am so frustrated for her.
I know she is just a Freshman.
I know it is just cheerleading.
I know it is could be so much worse.
I am truly thankful that it is not!
I am also so frustrated!
She could not work any harder.
We could not spend any more time at PT.
We thought it was getting better!
This just stinks!
So. . . please pray for miraculous healing. Please pray that Sierra is encouraged. Pray that she finds her happy place.
