Need Advice

Well not to take away from Photomom's beautiful pictures because they are amazing. Look down below to see.
But I needed to vent and see if any of you, who have gone through this with me, have any advice to share. My poor niece on Daddy J's side; we shall call her Cheering C, has just taken one too many falls in her flying stunts. She has been told she has to quit the squad. Those of you who know me, know I went through a similar situation my Jr year also. I did not cheer cause they were too snooty...sorry Amy and Adrian. I was on our Dance team. I hurt myself and am still having problems daily from it. So many of you will think...No Brainer. She should be grateful to not have to have surgery at 17. Or why do you need advice it is not you. Well it is me. I am going through all of the emotions I thought I had dealt with those many years ago. I want so badly to help her get through this the way no one could help me or my friends. I just don't see how that is possible. High School years are tough! I got through mine with the help of amazing friends and family. I am sure she has these also.

My problem is that everyone keeps telling her she does not want to be like Gimpy Mom. OK everyone...Think back to HIGH SCHOOL...Come on you can count that many years...Did you ever picture yourself to be in your mid to late thirty's? I never did. Doesn't life end at age 25. After that it is just diapers, and carpools, right. So trying to put herself in my shoes is not fair. Besides had anyone told me what I would look like and act like at my age I would have told them they were stupid. I would never have various doctors appointments every week. It was only back pain, not 60- 80 year old problems. I would never want her to picture herself as me. I don't even like to picture myself as me. I still dream of me at age 23. That was when I was the skinniest and healthiest I had been since 16, with a lot more privileges.

So I guess my question is how do I help her with her identity crisis. All she knows her self as is a cheerleader. She is a sweet girl who is just got handed a crappy situation. In hind sight is there anything any of you could come up with that could have made this transition easier when you were in high school? Thanks Cheering C and I appreciate it cause right now I am not clear headed.

I do appreciate all of you who have been through this with me. We could not do this without you.