"Your hip is a mess," the doctor says as he zooms in and out of the X-ray with the speed and precision of a practiced surgeon. "Is that your official diagnosis?" I ask, smiling, as he turns to face me. "That's a good attitude to have," he says as he continues to explain that arthritis has destroyed my hip, eating away all the cartilage and flattening the ball part of the hip until it protrudes slightly, causing pain.
The only option is surgery. "Looks like your ski season is over," the doctor concludes as we discuss surgery options and dates.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well preserved body; but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow, what a ride!'"[1]
The quote created by Mark Frost in his book “The Match” has been a cornerstone of my someday/maybe (bucket) list since I discovered it in my early fifties. Coupling the quote with my desire to live a life of adventure has resulted in a life full of joy and experiences.
I haven't intended to arrive safely (at my grave) in a pretty, well-preserved body; however, as I skid in broadside, thoroughly used up and worn out, it's disappointing to realize I'm only at third base. It looks like I'll be hobbling to home plate with arthritic joints and replaced knees.
Life doesn't always turn out as planned, and as I amble along the Zion Narrows River Walk trail this past week, leaning heavily on my hiking poles, it is tempting to feel sorry for myself as younger (and older) people pass me on both sides. The crisp, cold air can rejuvenate my soul, and the sheer sandstone cliffs lift my heart despite the pain. Along the path, coming in opposite directions, a couple walks arm in arm at a similar pace. He also has a hiking pole, but he holds his pole out in front, with a round ball on the tip to warn him of steps and cracks in the path—a strip of red around a shaft of white. I smile at the wife so lovingly walking with her blind husband through such incredible beauty it is hard to describe.
The arthritic joints and replaced knees suddenly don't seem like a trade-off compared to this couple, who are still plodding toward home plate and enjoying every last minute of the ride.
Thanks for Reading!
Written January 18, 2025
Grammarly provided editorial assistance.
Footnotes
[1]: Frost, Mark. “The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever.” Hachette, 2015.