The Plunge

[suecameron]

New Years 2003 several members in our family skied Purgatory and Telluride Mountains. Telluride has a particularly difficult black slope appropriately designated "The Plunge". I'm not a well-seasoned skier, but will often assay a black slope with right conditions. This particular day I was skiing with brother Mike, brother Mark, brother-in-law Bill, and nephew Mark. Mike and nephew Mark took off down "The Plunge." I however, hesitated at the top. In that split second I psyched myself out...realizing there was no other option only compounded the situation. Mark saw me hesitate and side-stepped about 10 yards up to my side and said "What's the problem Sue? You've been doing these all day long, why are you stopping?" I said, "I know, and I know I can do this, but I just can't get started." Mark said, "What's keeping you?" I said, "I can't see over that ledge right there." Mark laughed and then calmly said, "Sue, it looks just like this right here," and he stamped his ski and continued with "Just follow me. I'll go first and you can see my head over that ledge. Just follow me. You can do this. You've done much tougher slopes than this one." And he led the way and I followed. I made it down "The Plunge".
So I guess there are a whole slew of messages to get from this story now.
But Mark, now that you are taking "The Plunge" to recovery, know that I will follow your lead and I'm behind you every step of the way! You're Awesome and I can't wait to ski with you again.
Love, Your Favorite Sister, Sue