Mistletoes
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
This is a beautiful and deeply personal account.1) What made you start skiing? At what age?
I started skiing at age 52. I had previously skied a handful of times, but never made it out of a wedge and it has been many years since my last trip.
I started REALLY skiing during my darkest hour...my 16 year old son had just passed away, due to a massive seizure. I was pretty paralyzed with deep grief...I don't remember much back then, but getting out of bed in the morning was a challenge. I would sit in front of a window for hours during the day and this went on for a couple of months.
I was staying with the man I was dating, (we had only been dating for 6 months). He is a long time, advanced skier. He was planning a 2 day trip and encouraged me to go with him. At first I resisted, thinking it would be too difficult and frivolous, but finally agreed to go. When I got off the lift, I was a bit fearful, but when I began my descent down the hill, my mind was so focused on the skiing that the grief let me go...for just a few hours I thought about nothing except making it down the hill. Skiing was a much needed respite, and in many ways, helped me on my healing journey...it still does this for me...frees my mind...and gives me great joy!
2) Why didn't you start skiing earlier?
I was a single mom with 2 kids...one severely disabled. There simply wasn't the time or money...
3) What's been the biggest obstacle (if there is one) to your skiing?
I think my age and fear...I'm certainly not as athletic as when I was younger...not as much stamina either.
4)What's been the hardest thing for you?
Skiing does not come naturally for me...it's been challenging to learn, for sure. I also fight with some fear factor...part of that is my SO and his whole family are amazing skiers and it's difficult to keep up with them...they sometimes take me to terrain I am not fully prepared for...a lot of times, I don't try and go off by myself...which can be pure bliss!
5) What's helped you the most?
Skiing with SO and his family...they have taught me alot, and they are always encouraging me, gently giving me little tips here and there.
6) What's been the biggest surprise to you?
How much I love to ski and how much I've improved! I'm also surprised at how exhilarating a challenge on the slope can be...pushing myself to do things I thought I wasn't capable of doing.
7) How have your friends and/or family reacted to your skiing?
Most of my friends do not ski, and they think I am somewhat crazy to do so...especially after my fall in December where I sustained a concussion, chest contusion and 2 spinal fractures...they ask "You are going to quit skiing, right?" I looked at them with a puzzled expression and reply NO. I've been out a few times lately and despite a couple of PTSD moments, it's been so wonderful. My 78 year old mom is a beautiful skier and she is very supportive!
8) What are your skiing goals? And what do you see in your future as a skier?
I will never be a great skier, and that is ok...I am 60 years old now and it is my wish to ski as long as I can...I see myself skiing into my 80s.
Side: I wasn't planning to stay long term with my SO after my son passed away...but 8 years later, I'm still here at the house with him.
That is a brave act to take and I love how you describe the grief letting you go.
Thank you for sharing your story.