And since we've been talking about fears, I figure now's a good time to reveal another of mine to you. I am very afraid to ski down steep mountains. I do not like to go fast. I prefer lolly-gagging and enjoying the scenery.
The weather was much warmer on Saturday than on our previous ski experience, so Graham was hanging in much better. He got to the point where he could ski on his own, but he couldn't turn without crashing. He saw the gondola and said he wanted to go to the top. Tony studied the map and found there were easy runs the whole way down, so we decided to do it. We went to the top of a snowy mountain with our 3 year old who has only been skiing one other time in his life. Smart.
As we ascended the mountain, we started to notice more fog. It wasn't long before fog was all we could see. So, when we started our decent, we thought we were going on an easy run, but quickly discovered that it was a "black" track. "Black" on a mountain equals "scary" in my mind. Before I knew it, Tony had a hold of Graham and zoomed down the mountain so fast I didn't even see which direction he went. I looked and looked but could only see fog. Now, I've stated that I am afraid of going down steep mountains. Add complete blindness-due-to-fog, and some loneliness to this scenario and suddenly I am a paranoid freak. I panicked. I just started going down as slowly as possible cursing and trying to catch my breath until I came upon my two boys sitting on the mountain waiting for me. I threw my poles in the air and exclaimed to Tony that I DO NOT LIKE SKIING AND I WANT TO GO HOME!
After struggling all morning with Graham, I could see in Tony's eyes that he was at his wit's end, but he remained calm. I declared that I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, because I was NOT GOING DOWN THE STEEP PART ANYMORE. All Tony could do was tell me to listen to his advice and get back up on my skis. I held my breath this time as I watched Tony zoom down with Graham in his arms and watched his short life flash before my eyes until suddenly we were at the bottom of the mountain. I don't remember how it happened because I blocked it out of my mind. I did not go to the top again that day, so it is hard for me to say that I actually conquered a fear. But, at least I am not still frozen up there on that mountain.
As you can see from the photo of the morning after, we were completely exhausted when we got home. We just threw our stuff on the floor and went to bed. The next day, when I asked Graham what his favorite part of skiing was, he said, "I liked going fast down the steep part."
Glad he didn't get all my traits.
Excellant photo!! You could maket it out to advertise dental hygene products, Sponge Bob apparel, or ski accessories. Now, on a more serious note. Was there nothing in your psycology studies alluding to fear, in some circumstances, being a friend to be listened to? You and Tony were raised in, on, and around mountains. I would think ya'll would have learned to respect them. Their awesome beauty can change to deadly ugly in a snap. I've been skiing when I could not even see the next lift chair ahead of me on the way to the top. BUT I DID NOT have a 3 yr. old child with me! So, I want you to give Tony a kick in the pants from me, then turn around, bend over, and let Tony give you the same. Now, I would love to hear Tony's review of his day on the slopes. What and where was the resort? Was there fresh powder? How many runs did you get in?love,Dad
ReplyDeleteI L O V E this photo!!!! Nice boots and mask :-)
ReplyDelete-Jenna