The Story Behind The Story

I've been moving my trip reports from my dead and gone Geocities web pages to this site for several months now. I was able to get almost everything backed up and saved before Geocities shut down last fall, but I still have a few more years' worth of reports yet to post here, although from this point on, I don't have a plethora of climbs each year.

I have debated for a couple of weeks now whether I should post the story of my 2004 surgery. To me, it was too long, too boring and too old.

However, a couple of things have nudged me in a different direction. First and foremost is the number of people I've met (or read about) who've had or are having back problems (or other surgery, such as cancer). My excruciatingly edited (thank heavens!!!) story below documents a few of the ups, downs, highs, lows and frustrations of pendulum-like mood swings that accompany a life-changing event such as major surgery. I'm hoping that by sharing my story, someone somewhere might be able to see there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if things don't heal exactly the hoped-for way.

Second, this episode in my life did indeed change my life. I was doubling the number of peaks I climbed every year until surgery. Then I had to start all over again, and I still haven't reached the level of endurance and skill I had before my surgery. It's been, at times, depressing, humiliating and demoralizing. Sometimes I forget I'm better off now than I was the month before my surgery.

And finally, the best part of my story is that I began dating The Lizard BEFORE my life so radically changed. He stuck with me even though the surgery changed who I am and what I can do. I couldn't have asked for a better companion and soul mate. I offer this story to those who fear their day may never come. I waited (and searched) many long years before finding the man of my dreams. I had so much baggage, he easily could have walked away. But he didn't. He stayed. He helped me heal. He's still helping me try to become as fit as my body will allow.

And now, we're getting ready to celebrate yet another Valentine's Day together. The day I used to dread and hate is now one of my favorites!

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