- https://www.nhl.com/player/john-adams-8480239
You Don't Know Jack - Entry 11
by Jack Adams<br>Personally, it's been a long year. But, like the rest of you, I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. I'm now nine months post-op and feeling the best I've ever felt. I'm strong, hungry and confident. But above all, I'm humbled. I'm humbled by the amazing support I've received throughout this crazy experience, and I can't express how thankful I am for everyone who's helped me get to this point in my recovery.<br>It feels like yesterday, sitting in Comerica Park, waiting for the MRI results that would ultimately change my life forever. I remember the tears and anger that I felt that afternoon. But above all, I remember the disbelief and sadness on my father's face on the plane ride home back to Boston. The only thing we really said was, "It's gonna be a hell of a comeback!" And boy, we've made some serious strides. And then some.<br>The solitude of an injury tests your mental toughness to levels one could never imagine, but if you stay PATIENT and hungry, you'll come out stronger on the other side of your recovery.<br>I have no more limitations. I'm able to train five days a week and do the things I've always loved. My appreciation for the game is at the highest it's ever been, and every day I'm so determined to prove to myself that I still got it. Above all, I'm so excited with the group we have coming back to school in the fall. I've been able to talk to teammates, coaches and trainers every day, and our TEAM-first attitude is starting to make strides. I can't wait for my opportunity..<br>I've also started a podcast with my sister and a few buddies called "Athletes over Adversity." AOA was established to give athletes of all levels the opportunity to share their story through adversity. Our motto, Everyone Has a Story, is so true, and I hope you all tune in each Tuesday morning (Podcasts & Spotify) to see the amazing pipeline of guests we have in store for you all.<br>As Stephen Colbert constantly echoes to his followers, "With existence comes suffering." Maybe we do need to learn how to "love" the hardest things that have happened in our lives ... Let me explain.<br>Look at the past year, for example. Kobe Bryant tragically passed away, making the entire planet hold our loved ones a little bit closer. We've been hit with a pandemic, forcing us stay in homes, away from our friends and other social settings that we take for granted. I never thought I'd ever tear my ACL ... but I did. The "Life's a box of chocolates" phrase from Forrest Gump might actually have some meaning after all!<br>Maybe this is a test for all of us, and maybe all of us need to do a better job of learning how to stay patient. I've learned to go about my life on a day-by-day basis, with a long-term goal in the back of my mind at all times.<br>I can't wait to join my brothers at Union again and see what we can accomplish, TOGETHER.<br>God Bless<br><em>On June 29, the last day of Red Wings Development Camp, Adams tore his ACL and MCL on a seemingly harmless check during the Red and White Game. After surgery, he is now on the road to recovery, Adams did not play for Union College this season. With Adams in an intensive rehab regimen, his blog entries will generally focus on his recovery as he continues to pursue his goal of someday being a Detroit Red Wing.</em>
