By Christopher Harrison

In 1983 during my senior year of high school, I suffered a life-altering football injury to my knee that ended my hopes of going to college on a football or track and field scholarship. This injury completely derailed my senior year of high school and changed the trajectory of my life forever (both for better and worse). Unfortunately, the severity and nature of the injury resulted in six knee surgeries over four decades, a number of which have been reconstructions. This has all been necessary to keep the knee functional and to allow me to remain active and physically fit, which is a non-negotiable element of my life! I have also become quite the knee expert and have partnered closely with a handful of leading sports minded knee surgeons over the years to get as much as possible out of this nagging joint!

Two of the most important factors following all of the surgeries and subsequent injuries has been the support from my amazing family and friends, and my ability to stay fit and work out at health clubs all over the world.  I have been a member of a gym here in Connecticut for nearly 40 years! The business is family owned, and over the years many of the longer-term members have become trusted friends and training partners. I personally know many of the regulars and employees quite well. We talk often about life, sports, training, health, and injuries.  A few months ago, as I began to prepare for a total knee replacement procedure, I started to “talk shop” with several members.   One in particular had undergone a similar procedure to the one I was about to have. It was reassuring to talk in depth with someone athletically inclined who had been through it, someone who understood the benefits, risks and the challenges ahead.

For the most part, our conversations were very helpful. He was a great sounding board. As a fellow weightlifter, he could relate to the demands I’d be placing on my body post-surgery. We also talked at length on several occasions about which surgeon to choose—there were two top-tier options locally, and he had strong favorable views about the one he used.

As the surgery date approached, things took a bit of a turn with our discussions. That’s when some of his suggestions and advice weren’t exactly helpful.

While trying to support, some of the advice became almost lecture-like based on his experience…and he had all the answers. Almost as if my situation was identical to his and the procedure and recovery would be a one-size-fits-all process. While he was trying to use his experience as a way to relate and help prepare me, he didn’t seem to consider that my body, my unique history of injuries, and my response to surgery could very well be different.

These conversations weren’t helpful. At times, they felt dismissive or ignorant. I was certain my recovery would be my own, not his version of it. Unfortunately, I was right!

Following the surgery, I ran into a few complications and needed to be tested for a possible blood clot, then a suspected infection—super serious stuff when dealing with joint replacements. During that 4-week period, I was immobile and unable to leave the house or go to the gym. I was focusing on recovery, on getting through the hardest part. This was a rather dark period and for a good part of it, I didn’t hear from many gym friends including him.

But then, one evening something changed.

One dismal and painful night, I received a group text from him and another gym member friend. “How is the recovery going? Haven’t seen you at the gym. You doing okay?”

And then he said something that truly moved me. He offered to pick me up to take me to the gym whenever I was ready. I’m part of a small, tight-knit group of gym folks who show up at 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. before the rest of the world wakes up. He told me if I needed a ride, he’d be there as early as needed. He was prepared to help me limp to his car if needed!

“Whenever you’re ready to come back, I’ll come get you,” he texted. “But chin up—get through the hard stuff first and don’t rush it.”

That gesture gave me a massive emotional boost.

Hearing that meant a great deal to me because I knew I wouldn’t be driving for at least a month, maybe longer. And here was this guy from my gym family, offering to “step up” in a way I had not expected.

That was the moment I realized—it wasn’t just about what this individual had said before the surgery. It wasn’t about the unsolicited comparisons or the “pep-talk” guarantees on outcomes if I followed his protocol. It was about the fact that his intentions were always genuine and good. In the end, he showed up when it mattered and that’s what I will cherish and remember most.

About the author: Christopher (Chris) Harrison is a retired C-suite executive, business advisor and board director on several company boards. A lifelong athlete and fitness enthusiast, Chris enjoys music, travel, fine wine and most importantly spending time with his family and friends.