Looking at this picture from last weekend always garners a smile even though I truly sucked at surfing–mostly because I couldn’t stay on the surfboard (each time a wave would hit, the weight imbalance between my right and left side would flip the board over). Since the lesson I’ve been pondering some strategies to make it easier next time. Meanwhile I’ll just stick to ocean swimming and/or boogie boarding.
There are two things about this picture that really make me happy:
- In getting out on the board I tried something scary/hard/seemingly impossible. I tried it just to see what would happen. And there’s a thrill in doing that and not being afraid of failure (or perhaps realizing that failure will happen and that’s okay, too).
- In this image my body looks healthy (especially those shoulders), a far cry from where I was a year ago. I can’t say enough how thrilled I am to be strong again. When I move in the buoyancy of the water, the physical difference from my limb loss is erased–I can ‘float’ and move comfortably, naturally.
My life is a continual journey of lessons and learning. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
PS: For those of you who want to read a bit more about me & mine, I’ve recently written a piece for The Exponent about my marriage and am quoted on Bill Lobdell’s blog. Also, a thoughtful post on Main Street Plaza links back to John & me and here’s a gorgeous poem in John’s honor from BiV.