The Breckenridge Snow Report promised clear skies and good times for the boys. They had recently rented skis and with the seasons pass we bought there were high hopes for a great season. It was the first time skiing for all of us but David. We were concerned about making the investment while our children were this young (ages 2, 5, 7) but decided to go for it. Hey, Lindsey Vonn started skiing at two and a half so, obviously, we had no time to lose!
Elijah showed awesome determination and fearless devotion from the start. Up until that point his all time favorite activity was to go to a theme park and hop on the scariest ride he could find. He loved to feel the wind in his face and would scream at the top of his lungs in delight until it stopped. And then do it all over again.
Going down the mountain unrestrained was exhilarating for him. He just could not get enough. He would fall and get right back up as if nothing happened. He wanted to stay out for hours and never complained of the cold. He was in his element. The mountain was the perfect fit for his wild nature and conquering spirit. A brave man in the making.
We had never seen him happier.
And then it happened.
The day after I broke my nose David comes in from skiing with E all morning with a troubled look on his face. “Don’t freak out when you see Elijah.”
E was in the hallway waiting for David to give me the heads up so that I wouldn’t completely break down when I saw him. I am usually pretty laid back about the kids but I was still traumatized by my accident the day before and David knew I was already emotional.
He was right.
I lost it. Cursing the mountain and the sport I started to cry as I ran over to my son to survey the damage. Unfazed, other than a beat up face, he shrugged his shoulders, smiled and let me know in no uncertain terms that he was ready to go back out and ski for a couple more runs!
Love that brave boy. And I can learn from him.
So when the Breckenridge snow report promises clear skies and perfect conditions – Beware. And get some ski lessons!
*If you found my blog looking for the actual Breckenridge Snow Report, it can be found HERE. Thanks for staying long enough to read our story. Have fun on the mountain:)
About Emily Oak
