Bluebird Day

I have only skied one day in the past three years. My plan had been to spend the day on the bunny slope to feel comfortable on my skis again and test my injured hips. Next month Dave will be honored with a "Last Call". I wanted to see if I would have the ability to ski beside the empty sled. Yesterday I skied with two extraordinary women: Nancy and Mindy. Nancy drove me to the mountain. She has been a ski school instructor and friend of over 40 years. She was my prime personal supporter during Dave's last months and has been since his death. Mindy is the director of the Pro-Ski Patrol. I first met 14 year old Mindy when her aunt asked if she could join the Jr. Ski Patrol Dave and I had started. Mindy thrived in the program; went on to college; graduated with honors and; came back to Eugene where, until she married, lived in our cabooses while pursuing a dream of a medical career and ski patrolling. She now also works in the ER where she eased the way for Dave during his many visits. I was surrounded by love. I got hugs from several people I haven't seen in a long time, including the owner of the ski area. I had caring (conspiring) escorts ahead and behind me on ever run.

The lift to the top of the mountain is just outside the Patrol Room door and presented itself as much easier to jump on than the long walk to the lower mountain lifts. So up we went bypassing the bunny hill. The groomers were busily preparing the steepest runs for the weekend. Skiing with patrol director Mindy, we "had" to open all the freshly groomed black diamond runs, on a sunny day, with no one around. It was my Destiny. 

Without heavy, wet snow and moguls, the runs were exhilarating. My IT muscles need strengthening and cause of several inflamed bursa. Skiing was a breeze until near the end of the day when my tired quads had to lift a ski. By the end of the day I was catching edges and kissing the snow.

Nancy

 Mindy

Mindy had arranged for a gourmet, BBQ lunch to be cooked and enjoyed at the top of the mountain. A special treat in an unmatched setting.

Yesterday was a tough day because that ski area probably wouldn't exist but for Dave's efforts. When I was in the patrol room, there were still 3 old pictures of Dave and I on the wall. I knew it would be both physically and emotionally difficult being there again but with the support of these two amazing friends, I succeeded and really felt positive.

I have always thought of myself as a very strong, independent woman but loosing Dave has been humbling. I have never been one to cultivate friends. Dave was my friend. One of the reasons our marriage worked for days short of 41 years was that we each had our own activities that we were passionate about then came home and shared each other's joy. We were so different in so many ways but celebrated and supported that difference. (The ski patrol was one thing we shared jointly, though he seldom skied instead managed it and I was but a patroller and wife). Now I am finding myself second guessing and looking for him to be there to embrace the rehashing of life's experiences.

I really did not expect to ski again, especially at Willamette Pass. I am stoked. For the first time I really feel like I can move forward independently and lean on friends.