Come on, Mom, you can do it! Oh, I don’t know, honey, I’ve never done this before, and it scares me! And I’m old! What if I break something? Come on, Grandma, you can do it!! Oh, crud, I don’t know! I’m scared! MOM! Just do it!!!
The snow is new and soft! I am flying!! I AM FLYING!! Oh, how glorious is this?
The cold snow smacked at my face as I flew down that hill, face first, into the unknown! The abyss! OK, maybe not an abyss. I could not stop laughing. I laughed all the way down and sounded much like a hyena and way too loud to be a dignified grandma. You could hear my echoes in the forest beyond. I’m sure that the bears came out of hibernation to see if the world was coming to an end and squirrels took stock of their stockpiles, and then took cover!
What a grand way to end a rather tough year. And I learned something that I would like to share. Don’t wait. Pick your slope, and FLY! Don’t be afraid. Life IS short. Don’t wait ’til your 66 to try something new. GO FOR IT! You probably won’t break.
The next morning, I wanted to go again. But the snow had frozen and our heavenly valley slope had turned into hard, scary ice. The younger set went for it, and came home with lumps and bumps, and snow burns that they would boast about for days.
Thank you, kids, for coaxing me to take that leap of faith! And thank you for a Christmas holiday that I won’t forget for a very long time. And, God, thank YOU for all my blessings!
Happy New Year!
P.S. Yes, that lump that you see at the bottom of the hill? That is me. My face is in the snow and I’m laughing so hard that I cannot stand up!
cinderellasrags 
Sue, I couldn’t have loved your post more……. you brought a huge smile to me…… and inspiration….. glad you had a wonderful Christmas and here is to a new year with smiles, joy and love & friendship to all…
Dear Donna, thank you! Happy new year! I hope that we both find encouragement along the way, and renewed joy in all those things we love so much. Some days are hard, and others are easier. On this morning’s walk (a resolution!) I found dozens of little doves sitting in the branches of the winter trees, apparently warming themselves in the sun. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good picture, with my phone, but they filled me up with a sense of promise and love. I’m looking forward to continued healing and some new adventures this year! Love, Sue
Looks fun! I am picturing ski’s mounted on the bottom of my wheelchair:-)
It was so fun! I could kick myself for always being such a chicken. I’ve wasted a lot of years being afraid. I’m so glad I did it. It was actually so “tame” and I guess that is why I couldn’t stop laughing. Or was that a bit of hysteria? Bill, are you able to go outside in your wheelchair, and can you withstand the cold air?
I go outside and listen to audio-books etc, but I only go out when weather is nice. I was raised in the Chicago area, but live in Texas now so I cannot handle the cold weather anymore. The last time I went sledding was the Christmas of 1996, just after being diagnosed with ALS, we spent the holiday at my sister’s in Wisconsin and took our kids sledding. Fun!
So I assume there were skies or a toboggan or something under that lump, or perhaps you went down on your belly. 🙂 Glad it was fun. Happy New Year!
Yes, I was on a very thin “sled” — not the kind you and I would picture! More like a $5 Walmart special – piece of rubber material shaped like a sled. Man, did it go!!
Glad you still have all your teeth. 🙂
I love it! You go girl!
Happy New Year, Lynn!