Knock on Wood

You guys are not going to believe it, but I forgot to Knock on Wood. A few weeks ago I wrote an article about Pain and showing empathy to others. What a Pain. I ended the article by saying that one day the pain might strike me, too. But then I forgot to Knock on Wood. Because, strike me, it has. The pain, I mean.  A few days ago, I found myself at the orthopedic office enduring X-Rays and wincing at various examination acrobatics, as I scheduled physical therapy and an additional MRI. All the while, there was pain. Pain that I could have avoided, if only I had Knocked on Wood.

According to history.com and Ted-Ed, the superstition of Knocking on Wood might have started with the ancient Celts who believed that spirits inhabited the trees. Over the years, there have been traditions of touching the bark of a tree to awaken good spirits who will bring protection and good luck, as well as traditions of striking the wood to chase away evil spirits or prevent them from changing good fortunes.  For me, I Knock on Wood after I make a statement of something that is going well with the hope that the tide will not turn. Example: The weather has been beautiful this week! Knock on Wood. I also Knock on Wood after I make a statement regarding something that I am concerned about. Example: I hope the electricity isn’t going to go out. Knock on Wood.

Do you ever Knock on Wood?

There was an incident when our failure to Knock on Wood produced unfortunate results. Years ago, our house was full with 4 kids whose ages spanned 12 years. It was often difficult to find activities that all 4 kids could enjoy, given their wide age differences. One activity that was always a hit was Kid’s Cook Night. We assigned the kids a night, well in advance, so they would have time to prepare a menu, shop for ingredients, and cook for the family. It was all on them to collaborate and plan what they would serve. Rob & I offered assistance on things like sharp knife cutting, or anything that required a more seasoned hand. But, mostly, the kids handled everything themselves. It was a great team-building experience.

On one such Kid’s Cook Night, I was standing at the sink washing some heavy pots while my youngest daughter, who was about 5 years old, reached into the cabinet next to me to get a ceramic bowl. Her grip slipped and the bowl fell, crashing first on the top of the microwave, where it splintered, and then crashing hard on the floor, where it shattered into hundreds of pieces. In the nano-second of time, I felt a small prick on my wrist, and shouted “Ouch!!!” When I looked down, there was the tiniest drop of blood resting in the middle of my wrist. There appeared to be a miniscule puncture wound, less than 1/16^th of an inch long. Weird. Fast forward many weeks later, I had a steady pain in my wrist which continually shot up my arm. The doctor decided that a tiny piece of ceramic bowl was lodged deep within my wrist, so he scheduled surgery to remove it. At the surgery center, the nurse decided to reassure Rob that this routine procedure would be a piece of cake. She said the surgery would take 5 minutes tops, and it would be “Easy Peasy.” There. That’s when Rob or the nurse should have Knocked on Wood.

Rob was quite undone as the surgery lingered on for 2 ½ hours. Turns out the tendon was cut almost through and there was work to be done on the ligament, and it was all way more than the surgeon had bargained for. Why the injury was so extensive was a complete mystery. But, the surgeon did what he was paid to do, and fixed me up just right. Now, 15 years later, my wrist doesn’t bother me too much most of the time. It only hurts if I cut too much with scissors (yall know I’m a preschool teacher, right?), or if I type too long at the computer (yall know I’m a blogger, right?), or if I drive for long distances (yall know I like to go places, right?). Other than that, it doesn’t bother me at all. No worries. Easy Peasy.

Do you buy into superstitions? I was racking my brain to think of any other superstitions that were part of my everyday life, but I couldn’t think of anything other than Knocking on Wood. Except, of course for my sports team attire.

It is extremely important that I wear the right team shirt to spur my team to victory, whether I am watching the game in person or on the telly. My choice of shirt can invigorate my team, raise the spirit, give off the right vibes, and bring home a win. I chose my attire carefully considering all contributing factors, such as weather, recent wins or losses, and general feel of the game. Its all about the good feels.  Of course, I am a rational woman. I know that there are dozens or more players on a team, coaches and other supporting staff, employees of the venue, and numerous other people (probably hundreds) whose various actions of the day can have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. I know there are tens of thousands of fans who are also preparing to watch the game and cheer for the team.  Do I honestly think that what I wear has any impact whatsoever on the game? You bet your sweet bippy I do!  They are counting on me. I have to support my team by doing my part: wearing the winning spirit shirt!

Now, all this might sound like voodoo and sorcery nonsense. But it's not. I think that I follow these superstitions because it a) makes me feel like there is something I can do, even if the situation is completely out of my control, and b) makes me realize that some things will happen no matter what I do, because it's out of my hands. Kind of contradictory, I know.  

I went to a game last week and my team lost. I will have to retire that shirt that I wore for a little while, give it a rest until it cools off. It will eventually come back into the rotation, but not yet. One day that shirt will be a winner. Knock on Wood.

Meanwhile, I sit here nursing my newly diagnosed pains. The pains that keep me up at night and alter my movements. The pains are annoying, inconvenient, behavior-changing, frustrating, and painful. They are not debilitating, so I know that I COULD live with them if I HAD to. I don’t WANT to, but I COULD. I’m putting trust in the medical field to advise me how to improve the situation and deal with the pain. I HOPE I don’t have to deal with it forever. I'll do everything I can to make it better. Knock on Wood.

And, furthermore, I hope you guys will keep supporting me and continue reading my blog! Knock on Wood.