Here is what I know:
if I fall, I get up
if I fail, I start over
A few days ago, I spent a fantastic morning skiing.
On my last run before heading home, I flew over my skis and landed on my face.
I hit the snow and bounced, my goggles and glasses smacking me hard.
I was stunned for a moment but then began assessing the damage.
I felt shaky but could tell my body wasn't broken or torn.
However, I had an immediate headache from the blow.
My prescription glasses were in pieces inside my goggles.
A young man, a Good Samaritan, made his way to me:
"Are you OK - can I help you?"
I was up high, hidden in a copse of trees.
I was surprised he found me there.
He was fuzzy - my eyesight is poor without the glasses.
I told him I was OK but had broken my glasses.
I asked if he'd ski to the bottom of the slope to find Bob.
I described what he was wearing.
"Tell him I'm OK - I'll be down soon."
I put the broken glasses in a pocket and slowly rose on the skis.
Dizzy at first, I started making careful turns to the bottom.
Skiing without my glasses felt wierd.
When I finally saw the bright blue of Bob's coat, I was relieved.
Following him, I made my way to the base of the mountain.
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| I'm still a child at heart. |
I've been skiing since age 27 - for 46 years, I've enjoyed the sport.
My mind and body and spirit have benefited from years of balancing and making turns.
Looking down from the top of a snowy mountain is thrilling.
Linking turns on skis is like floating through an expanse of white.
Even though my body is old, skiing allows me to feel graceful.
I'm still sore, so I'm sidelined a few days.
My neck muscles are tight from the whiplash.
Luckily, I have another pair of glasses.
(I always wear an older pair when skiing.)
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| Our youngest grandson Sam, age 5, learning to ski - photo by his sister, Amanda |
Life is about getting up and starting over.
Resilience is my One Good Thing today.
I'm also very thankful for the Good Samaritan.
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