Yes, this Thanksgiving weekend that has been my claim. I hold my arm limp against my body (when I remember not to use it.) and say, "I took an arrow to my shoulder." Of course I did not literally get shot with an arrow through my shoulder. But being a writer, I use things from my real life and imagine what they resemble.
When I was 13, I was trying to explain the pain in my side to my mother and my aunts at my dad's birthday party. My one aunt asked if it was a sharp pain? I was 13, I hadn't really experience much pain in my life. So I thought about it a moment, then I said, "It feels like someone has stabbed me with a sword and is twisting it." She looked at me with wide eyes and replied, "That would be a sharp pain." The next morning I had my appendix out.
So as I struggle to lift something, or open a door, or even push myself up and out of my recliner; I realize first, how much I use, even my left arm. And second every TV program or movie I have ever watched is an utter and complete lie.
I laid there with my doctor working on my shoulder Wednesday afternoon. I thought of the way this felt, and how thankful I lived in this modern time. Alcohol does not have a friendly touch, nor does a scalpel, but much better care than most any of my characters would have received. I also know just how high my pain tolerance must be. Mind you I was in pain. My doctor told me, also several times, how strong or tough I was. My thoughts were "thanks?" for the compliment (I guess) and well, if you think you are hurting me go ahead and stop. Neither of these thoughts did I voice.
I did not watch at the doctor's office. I do not like seeing things of this nature. But that evening, I wanted to look under the bandaid. It was like a 'painful' present sitting under the tree. If it hurts this much how big is the hole?" So of course I took a peek. Then I ran out into the hallway and told my kids about the arrow wound in my shoulder. They of course laughed at my joke.
It was after this that I realized how untruthful TV and movies were. Clearly I understood this. But as I walked around with my arrow wound, tiny in size and amount of damage done to the shoulder, I will never see a battle scene the same way. That piece of wood sticking completely through a man's shoulder. Another man tries to help, breaks off the end and pulls it free from his body. Yeah, I am sure that is what they did. This wood had been completely through his body, not just the skin, but muscle, possibly rubbing against bone. He had a wound on both sides, not just my one-sided arrow wound. But often after that we see this wounded man fighting as soon as the arrow is out, or even more unbelievable to me now, while the arrow is still in his shoulder.
Trust me, he would not be pulling back the string of his bow and firing an arrow. If I tried to pick up my bow and fire an arrow, well, lets imagine that I could even pull the string back, the arrow wouldn't go anywhere, there would have not been enough power behind it. And I don't think I could have even done it, that would be much too painful. I would have more likely took the bow and swung it round with my good arm. Not as good of a weapon, but one I could use and still remain conscious and standing.
Then there are these huge two handed swords. No way. Just twisting my body to get in and out of the car, or up and off of my bed hurts. Holding the sword - NO. Twisting and swinging it around - NO WAY.
I do believe that adrenaline could help some, and in the middle of the battle fighting for your life, yes, you would likely try these things. But my little tiny wound hurts and continues to bleed when I move around and use my arm. These wounded men would not be conquering warriors more likely they would have bled to death, or fallen unconscious from the pain.
So now every program I have watched is seen in a different light. I imagine the characters I have written into my stories, and those yet to come. I am thankful to have taken an arrow to the shoulder this weekend. This pain and experience, along with all of the thoughts will find their way into my stories. Happy Thanksgiving.
*warning... Not recommended to take an arrow to the shoulder as a learning experience. Do not do this at home.*
