As an avid skier who recently had a hip replacement surgery, I want to tell you about the unexpected benefits I’ve noticed since regaining my ability to ski. I’ve been thinking of lots of different things I could write about my experience as a new dad and skier, but I’m not sure exactly how to approach this topic. I certainly didn’t see this coming when I was still skiing with my wife and kids, so it’s been a bit of a shift to adjust to life as a full-time dad.
Table of Contents
The Joy Of Parenting
As a parent, there are so many aspects of parenthood that you hope for and prepare for as your family grows. You want your children to enjoy their childhood and be safe from danger, whether that’s physical or emotional. One thing I didn’t prepare for was how much joy I’d feel as a parent. I’m not sure if it’s because I still see myself as a bit of a kid at heart or if it’s because of all the changes hormone therapy has brought about, but I’ve definitely found a new lease on life as a parent. My wife and I joke that parenting has changed us both. She’s more mature and responsible, while I’m more playful and affectionate.
Skiing Again
One of the biggest adjustments to life as a parent has been regaining my ability to ski. When I first got back on the slopes with my family, the joy on their faces was palpable. It was clear that they’d missed having me around, and they had fun knowing that I could help them navigate tricky terrains with ease. The feeling of floating down the mountain on a wave of pine trees has been an adjustment for me, too. I used to be the one who taught my kids how to ski, and now that I’m not able to do that myself, it’s been a thrill for them to discover how to ski on their own.
While I’m not sure how long it will take for me to fully recover and be back on the slopes, I’m enjoying every moment of parenting and being a dad. It’s a challenge, but one that I’m determined to face with courage and humility. The joy on my kids’ faces when they realize how much they’ve learned in a short while is worth all the struggle. It reminds me that even when life feels uncertain, there are still plenty of wonderful moments to be found. This is one of them.