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When my daughter was 5 years old, a school friend from a family of avid skiers invited us on a trip. I am not a winter sports person at all, but I wanted to demonstrate that trying something new is a great adventure! Snow! Fun! Let's go! All a total lie -- the kind moms tell their children -- and why I found myself trying on ski boots and assuring the rental guy that I REALLY needed poles -- the heck with the new-fangled, no-pole idea. It's also why I signed up for a lesson, which I hoped would be a lesson for my daughter too: You're never too old to learn! However, my daughter and her friend were getting guidance from her friend's mother, whose own mother had taught her, and so on. (Yes, grandma was on the slopes too, but hitting the black diamonds, so we didn't see her until lunch). So, the three of them went their way and I struggled over to find my beginners group.
We walked around in a circle on our skis, until we were deemed ready for the bunny slope. Our little practice area actually joined the bunny slope near the bottom of the hill, so we entered the hill with only about 40 feet to travel before we were at the bottom. When my turn came, I lurched gingerly to the launch point, aimed my tips at one another in the newly acquired "pizza position" and began to slide slowly down the hill. At that moment, I heard my daughter shout, "Hey mom, you're doing great." I looked up where her voice had come from, and saw her waving from the chair lift. Just the two little girls, smiling and waving encouragement, as they floated up to the top of the mountain... Gold for her, and a personal best for me!
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1 comment, including:
Dear Miranda - Congratulations on your skiing accomplishments with your daughter. I love to read stories of parents putting their fears or reservations aside to offer an unique opportunity to their child.