Untethered at Heart.

As I sit down to write this, my mind goes back to where I am the happiest. My happy place is sitting at the top of a ski slope and anticipating the feeling of euphoria that floods through my insides like a giant tidal wave as I soar down the mountain. I crave the moment when my soul’s beast is unleashed from a body that doesn’t match. I am a sit skier.

For the past eight or so years now, I have been involved with an amazing program called, Canadian Adaptive Snow Sports or CADS; a volunteer based initiative that gifts people who live with different abilities the opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard, regardless of their abilities. Being a participant has also given me the opportunity to become a CADS Alberta board member and take on a Vice President role , which has allowed me to further express my passion for the program from a participant perspective and advocate for the organization and its mission.

Every single year on the last day of the season, I am an emotional wreck. It’s always so bittersweet. I didn’t think this was possible, but each year, my love and passion for the program, its mission and those who are involved continues to grow. Even with all of the health challenges I have dealt with recently, the thought of being able to get back in my bucket in the near future and ski my freaking heart out feels incredible. Upon reflection,there was something different about it this year. I felt freer, more euphoric and more appreciative. In the past, I was so consumed with becoming the best possible skier and achieving my ultimate goal of skiing untethered. Even though my goal of skiing untethered didn’t happen this season, I am not upset or frustrated with myself. It doesn’t mean that I am going to stop striving to make this goal a reality. However, because of this,I have learned something really important. I have learned that even though there are some days where the pain is unbearable; days where Cerebral Palsy makes feel like a prisoner- a prisoner locked inside of a body with no key, I am untethered in my heart and soul. Untethered and free to hope, free to dream and free to fly. Whatever life holds, I am ready to do it to the best of my ability.

There is not enough words to express the gratitude I have for the CADS program. It has changed my life. I am especially grateful for all of the inspiring participants who motivate me to keep going, and the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring that me and countless other individuals get to experience this indescribable feeling. The feeling of being unrestricted.