It was with a considerable amount of trepidation that I loaded my skis and readied myself to head up the mountain. Fortunately, I don't often have to face disappointment. How will I respond if today is the day I discover my lifelong passion for skiing is over due to physical limitations? I've mentioned before that I had a knee replacement in March this year. My knee feels good; however, my first question to the doctor about my expected outcome of the surgery was will I be able to ski?
I list skiing in my blog, Love the Life that you Created. I love skiing; the crisp mountain air, the crunch of snow under my feet, and the sun on my face fall into slot numbers eight and nine. Skiing is also the only sport I have excelled at; by excel, I mean slightly better than average. I love skiing terrain, typically off-piste, and with my purchase of some high-quality skies a few years ago, I have skied more and better than at any other time in my life.
I have always had a certain amount of knee pain; however, last year marked the point when the pain was more significant than the enjoyment, and I decided it was time to consider my options.
"You can ski" was the doctor's response to my question. "However, remember this isn't your knee, it will never be as strong or take as much abuse as your original knee, and the life expectancy is considerably shorter too."
As I pulled into the small overflow parking lot near chair one, I decided to take the doctor at his word and slipped into my ski boots. It is a beautiful day, cold, but the sun is shining, and only a half dozen cars occupy the lot. As I ride up the lift, the snow sticks to the pine trees, and I slip off at the top to a gentle turn and a slight breeze. The sky is crystal clear as I look across the small valley to the longer, steeper runs on the slopes of Brian Head peak. I want to venture back to that side of the mountain; however, I need to make it down the gentle blue slope in front of me.
My first turn, okay, that was good, no pain involved; the second turn, excellent; and as I slip into the gentle rhythm of parallel turns, a smile slides across my face. I don't recall the last time I skied pain-free, but I grew more confident with each turn. I won't cross over to the other mountain today; however, I won't be sitting at home on powder day either.
I love skiing.
Written December 21, 2022