Pain, my Pain; Veterans' Day 2007

Besides Rodeo Bull Riders... I seriously doubt there are too many who measure pain on similar scale as I do. Any one who was in Texas or Louisiana southern football programs can attest to no pain no gain mantra of the 60's and 70's.

Coaches of my era are Korean War Vets. According to them, every injury is only a scratch and a reason to move you to the bench if you say otherwise. "Spit on it, and rub some dirt on it," was their advice most the time. I am talking about an era just before steroids started finding ways into high school locker rooms. In response to daily injury experienced in football and contact sports, steroids are considered a panacea by players. Go figure.

No pills, no injections, just tape: In 1969 we only had a loyal fellow student, guy named David Cole as our humble trainer. Everyday before practice he dutifully taped our ankles, elbows and fore arms, using so much tape the coaches finally put a stop to it. -- David went on to become assistant manager of the Downtown Foley's. One attaboy Dave!

Korean War Veterans are survivors, and in my summation are last of their kind. As soldiers and as citizens never complaining, talking little about what happened over there, but carrying large sticks -- and never saying never. They are the strong silent type -- Horace Wauson, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Thurman, Sanford Carr, Coach Smiech and about thirty others who were my coaches from peewee to college; these are the names of Korean War survivors who taught me and my kin how to throw a rolling side body block, and how to deal with one and live to tell about it.

Pain, my pain: arthritic joints, neck bones like burled roots, swollen fingers, and numb toes. I suppose I am in half the pain my coaches were in -- and twice the amount of pain as you. pd