This post has been 5 months in the making. So many times I’ve sat down to write it, and so many times, I couldn’t begin to type. It was just too hard. But with Thanksgiving tomorrow, I am feeling thankful for you, for my family and friends, and for my mother, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2. Today, I am missing my brave ski mom and I’d like to tell you why.
A Brave Ski Mom
My mom was a brave ski mom. Along with my wonderful ski instructor dad, my parents introduced my brother and me to downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. Our first introduction to snow, however, was riding with my mom on a wooden dogsled, as my dad ran his team of three samoyeds. My parents were both born in Western Colorado and grew up with winter in the La Plata and San Juan mountains. The choices were either embrace cold, snowy fun or stay inside. They didn’t want to stay inside.
A Brave Ski Grandmother
My mom was a brave ski grandmother. While my parents had largely pivoted from downhill to cross-country skiing when our sons were born, my mom skied with them, resulting in this memorable comment from one of her little fans, who was probably 4 the first time they skied together. “Gigi, you’re a much better skier than I imagined,” said our son. This made her laugh. She’d been skiing for over 50 years, he’d been skiing for 2.
My mom cheered our sons during their ski racing days. She made warming meals and invited us over on Sundays when we came down from the mountain. At the holidays, she happily gifted them with ski clothing and gear. She did the same for my brother and me. Several Christmas mornings, we’d awaken to find that Santa had brought new skis.
A Western Colorado Life
When it came to cross-country skiing with her children and grandchildren, family dogs always included, my brave ski mom made it fun, bringing special treats and her unique brand of unabashed enthusiasm. She always had a smile on her face and was game for a winter-time family adventure.
In addition to winter sports, my mom loved the Colorado mountains at any time of year. Her parents had a cabin — which remains in the family — south of Telluride in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. It was her favorite place on earth. Summers at the cabin included kayaking and lots of hiking. Again, her enthusiasm for being outdoors was contagious and she generously shared it with all of us.
The Importance of Music
And while the mountains and her multi-generation Western Slope heritage colored a lot of what she pursued — and taught us to pursue — I often say that while she loved her family first, music was her second love. A talented violinist, she was well-known in our community as a founding member of the local symphony orchestra and is much missed by her fellow musicians and audience members alike.
She shared this love of music with us and we will miss our ramshackle family ensembles during the holidays.
With the Pain, Comes Thanksgiving
When someone dies, we’ve found that there is both a welcome release from suffering for the deceased and immediate pain for the survivors. I can honestly say that when I was in the thick of this pain, I couldn’t have written any of these words. It’s not as well-polished as I would like, and while I know I have a library of wonderful family photos I could share, I don’t have the bandwidth right now to go through them.
What I do have is the desire to say thank you to my brave ski mom. She loved my father, her friend of 80 years and husband of 63 years (they met at age 5), my brother and me, her daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and her four grandchildren with abandon. She was always smiling, often laughing, and constantly seeking adventure in her pursuit of a full life.
This Thanksgiving will not be easy. But we will light a candle in her memory, give thanks for her life well-lived and ski — all in honor of my brave ski mom.
Thank you and I wish you and your families the happiest of Thanksgivings.
Here’s to winter! It’s finally here.
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James L says
Well done Brave Ski Mom! I will miss my wonderful mother in law this holiday season.
Jules Older says
A sweet, sweet memory, BSM. It touched my heart in faraway New Zealand.
braveskimom says
Hello Jules, I hope New Zealand continues to be your promised land. And that you and your family are healthy, happy, and thriving!
Liane Kennedy says
Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing. What a legacy in all all of you she leaves to go forward. The candle you want to light is already lit and shine through in your words. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our love from Newfoundland!
braveskimom says
Liane, Thank you for such a nice comment. I hope you and your family are happy and thriving! Enjoy the winter. xx
Nicolette J Flann says
Oh wow your love and admiration for your Brave ski Mom shows in every word. Your mom is with you in a whole new way now, Kristen. Sending you peace and healing
braveskimom says
Thank you Nici! Can’t wait to make some turns!
Cora Helm says
A beautiful tribute to your Mom. It really touches my heart. Such terrific memories and photos. I’m sorry it was unexpected, that has got to be such a blow.
braveskimom says
Thank you Cora. I don’t think it is ever easy, whether anticipated or unexpected. I hope you are well! It is so nice to hear from you!
Dave Haley says
Loved reading this. Brought back so many memories. I even remember riding the dog sled on the frozen lake one winter. Miss you guys.
braveskimom says
We miss you too! Hope winter in NM is going well!
Brooke Michelsen says
I’m so sorry for your unexpected loss of your sweet mom and loved your beautiful tribute. I hope these special memories give you strength to get through this first holiday season without her.
braveskimom says
Thank you Brooke. It’s one day at a time for sure, but there is always joy and light to be found in each day!
Tracy says
Bravo! I hope that someday my children/grandchildren call me a brave ski mom.
roberto says
beautifully well written and condolences. roberto