Miracle at Winter Park

[halfin]

I had a wonderful weekend and wanted to tell people about it. Several weeks ago I scheduled a ski trip with my wife, son and daughter. We have not skied for several years but used to do it a lot, and I wanted to get one last trip in before my legs went. I was still running a little at the time I scheduled the trip but unfortunately since then my legs have gotten much weaker and less coordinated. I am no longer running and walk with a limp and a cane now. In fact I had to request a wheelchair to get through the airport, it was the first time I had done that and a bit discouraging. So I didn't know if I would be able to ski at all.

Well it worked out amazingly well, once I got the skis on I was able to move about OK. I was much weaker than usual but my experience helped me. I probably know ten different ways to make skis turn and by staying on a very short beginner run it worked out fine. The chair lift only had 150 foot vertical climb so I was able to rest frequently.

We only skied about an hour and then my legs turned to rubber, but it was a spectacular day. It snowed on and off, which I love to see since we get no snow where I live in southern California. My kids had a good time too and it was great to get the family together for a trip like in the old days.

For that hour or so, I didn't have ALS. I felt healthy and whole again.

 

[asantiago]

Hal, that is fantastic! Thanks for sharing

 

[joelc]

FANTASTIC! I am glad you were able to do this and enjoy it.

 

[laurel]

Hal that is a lovely Christmas story. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Laurel

 

[rose]

Hal,

It sounds like you made some great memories! Glad you went, and were able to enjoy.

 

[BrianD]

Hal...

That was great! Glad you were able to enjoy your trip out here in my neck of the woods (relatively speaking ).

 

[Zaphoon]

Thanks for sharing the neat experience, Hal! I'm glad the trip was such a success!

Kim

 

[DgtofTNfan]

Glad you enjoyed your trip and sounds like a wonderful experience with your family.
Dana

 

[hopingforcure]

Hal,
You look perfect to me in the Picture.. I see ALS was definitely missing in action for that time. So glad you had a great time, here's to more of those.:-

 

[indigosd]

What an inspiration! Thanks Hal!

 

[paleshia]

wow hal, amazing how an hour of "normal" life has become so joyous.....i guess that is indeed a blessing.....to really really enjoy our times together.

thanks for sharing...

 

[rhythman]

Congratulations Hal...I'm very glad to hear that you had such a wonderful experience.

 

[Big Mike]

I'm glad you had such a wonderful time, Hal.

 

[GlenBrittle]

Hal , congrats - you made me jealous.

Looks like you had a blast. Good for you.

 

[BethU]

You look like a champ on those skis! What a great day for you and your family. Those are the stories we love to hear.