Solace in Skiing (15 Dec 2013)
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Skiing is the one thing that reliably provides me with solace. The sparkly snow, the scent of winter-fresh air, and the way my skis slide over this frozen surface not only brings me happiness, but it also offers a feeling of comfort. It’s the kind of comfort I needed this weekend.
Pete enjoying cold smoke.
It had been an emotionally draining week with the decline of our cat’s health. We’d known for months that Luna’s kidney’s were failing. But, she kept being her old self – jumping up on counters when she wasn’t supposed to, meowing loudly until we gave her ample attention, eating voraciously even though she was a skinny-mini 5-lb cat…. Then, one day, the liveliness in her suddenly faded. And Luna wasn’t the same any more. We put our Luna to rest on Thursday afternoon, and our lives will never be the same. She was one great cat.
The whole scenario put me in a funk. Not only did I miss my little Luna whom I’d spent the last 15 years of my life with, but I had a problem with letting her go. It was the right thing to do, to end her pain- yet, it seemed so odd to schedule death. My brain couldn’t wrap itself around the whole concept. And waking up to my alarm instead of Luna purring in my face sucked. I just wanted my Luna back.
So, I took my mourning heart and perplexed brain skiing. It was a somber mood for us on Saturday as we made laps at the resort. But, the hundreds of Santas present for the Santa Ski Crawl did cheer us up for a brief moment.
However, I don’t think I truly wore a smile until Sunday. Frank and I met up with Pete, Chris, and Starr for a day in the backcountry. It was a warm day, a nice change from recent weather, and I enjoyed the sunlight on my face.
My spirits rose as we climbed up the mountain. Frank, Chris, and Starr finishing up the skin track.
Although snow was variable, there were pockets of goodness. Chris.
Pete.
Starr.
Me.
I finally smiled. And I shed laughter instead of tears.
This ski was for Luna. She will be missed. Thank you to friends and snow and sunshine and blue bird skies for shining light over the darkness. Let the healing begin.
- Mount Buckskin (17 May 2020) - May 28, 2020
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- Sayres X-Rated Ski (10 May 2020) - May 19, 2020
I eased my cat into the {afterlife]? 9/9/12 My world after that day changed forever. He was 19. Jim