This town is a breeding ground for “crazy”, for pushing the limits. But what about the other side. There’s a lot of people like me, walking along side. The ones who think, be careful, but never say it out loud. If you’re like me, you know what is’ like to be sitting in the comfort of your home listening to the sounds of the bombs going off in the morning, feeling the energy around you. A big snow cycle means you might not see your loved one for the few days or more until it’s over. You get a pang of fear for a second when you hear an ambulance or a helicopter and then you might get the call. The one from an unknown number or from the person your loved one is skiing with.
I got that call. A lot of us have gotten that call. Your stomach drops as you listen. You think you might throw up. Then you go into overdrive. Taking care of all the things. There so many things: hospitals, doctors, physical therapy, phone calls, pharmacies and ice. There is NEVER enough ice. The end result of that dreaded phone call was far better for me and my family then for some. For that, I am eternally grateful.
I knew what I was marrying from the beginning. The person I chose to spend my life with craves adrenaline and pushing the limits. I am the complete opposite. Adrenaline makes me cry. I love to ski, but my skis happily stay on the ground. I love curing up with a good book, a great cup of coffee, looking through cookbooks and occasionally making the recipes I spend so much time looking at. So how do you live with the differences? With love and acceptance. You don’t try to change them. It’s not why I married him. Me trying to stop Jeff from airing off cliffs would be like him trying to make me do it. It’s just not possible. Accepting that is key.
The community that lies behind the adrenaline seekers is an awesome thing. It comes together to support the hurt and fallen. This community’s love is felt by all. The encouragement and support in hard times is beyond inspirational. This past year has been a bit of a blur. When I look back on it, it seems impossible. But yet, here we are: skis have replaced the wheelchair and crutches, “will I ever walk normally again” has somehow been replaced with “I think I could ski S&S again, do you think I can?” Yeah, you can and you probably will. As long as you’re alive, you have to live your life. My life is walking alongside the adrenaline seeker I chose long ago. I am the other side of Jeff’s story. I am Seana and this is my story. What is your story