Monday, February 6, 2012

Reprieve


I have this untested theory that my training/exercise is a natural antidepressant. The last two weeks have been filled with more down days than usual, prompting me to actually consider calling the doc for a low-dose anti-anxiety pill. Sometimes I struggle when deciding exactly how much to share in the blog world, I probably just shared too much. The mystery ailments are taking their toll on me, causing other mystery ailments that I'm sure are a result of the anxiety I feel around not knowing what the hell is going on with my body. I might get some reprieve tomorrow when I finally get to see the urologist. As for the painful ear infection thing, still no reprieve. But I did get a bit of reprieve this weekend in the form of mountain therapy.

My friend Leslie, a ski bud of mine since we were 13 years-old, invited me to the mountains to learn how to telemark ski. We spent our childhood skiing FAST, on slick groom trails and in and out of trees in the powder. We saw an older man telemarking while we rode up the lifts one day, and we both jokingly said that when we got old, we would switch over to the more graceful/mature way of going downhill. Well, I guess that day has come, and I cannot tell you how much I love tele skiing. It just felt right. The mystery ailments were still there, but the symptoms seemed to be pushed a bit further toward the background. As I figure this out, I will continue to count my blessings, focus on the good, and try my best to keep calm and carry on.

And I want to share that Michele Baldwin, the stand-up paddler I blogged about with terminal cervical cancer, died peacefully yesterday. I followed her on her Facebook page, and I was so impressed with the dignity and the grace she carried in her final moments. It seemed more peaceful than sad. And her final act? She broke the record for the longest stand-up paddle, paddling 700 miles down a river in India.

6 comments:

Beth said...

Thanks to your video, I now know what telemark skiing is!! :) Glad you got a bit of a reprieve Kiet! Thinking of you and your appt with your urologist. I know this must be weighing heavily on you (as it would anyone) and I pray for resolution soon!

mtanner said...

Thinking good thoughts for dr visit! Love the video and the friendship!!

Teresa said...

Totally envy you exploring all your athletic talents. Good luck at the docs. Thinking of you and your friend sounds amazing. I think that she is just as lucky to know you as you are to have known her. Big hugs!

Charisa said...

Hang in there K!!! I will say a prayer that things start turning up for you. Keep on being positive and seeing the good - it does make life better. I promise :)

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Sending you good thoughts for happy resolution with the dr.

Michele was an amazing person.

Libby said...

god that is so amazing- michele is incredible. thinking of ya with all that's going on. remember to see the good in every day even when times seem dark :) life isn't always one big up. its these downs that give us perspective to learn from.
once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right :)
if you know who that's from we are definitely soul sisters! you better have smiled after reading that :)