Skiing is the glue that binds our family together.
My grandfather taught my parents to ski. My parents transmitted their passion to us, the three Pham-Dinh brothers. And we transmitted our love of skiing to our kids.
Liam, Zack, Emma and Audrey, the band of cousins carry our fire, our passion. This afternoon, after spending the day skiing in the storm, we went inside the ski chalet. I started packing our stuff, it was 15:00 and we were tired. I figured this was enough. The ski conditions where awesome today but it was cold. The wind was so strong this morning that snowflakes felt like pellets when they hit our face.
After eating a small snack, Liam comes to me and says:
– Let’s go again, let’s do another run.
– What?
– I want to ski more?
– Aren’t you tired, we’ve been out all day, skiing in the cold. You want more?
– Yes.
I look at my watch, hoping it is too late but no. There is still time for one last run. Who would refuse the expression of a kid’s passion for ski? Who would not go for one last run with a smiling red cheeked 6 year old boy. Zack tags along, as usual. Earlier, the two of them were arguing again who loved skiing more.
So we get dressed again, after a few days dressing and undressing, it is like a ritual, and we head out in the cold, again. It is still snowing. The hills are beautiful. We go up the mountain. As we make our way down, i look at them, the 2 cousins skiing together, Liam following Zack, and a strong emotion grows inside. I am happy. It feels like my childhood but it is theirs. We are making our kids as happy as we were. This is beautiful. I could cry but i don’t, i just smile and go down, trying to enjoy every seconds of this nice moment.
The day ends, we pack our stuff. As we did countless times when we were younger, we head out to the bar for an after ski beer. This time we have our kids. We drink a beer. They drink ice tea and hot chocolate. We share nachos and french fries. It’s a typical after ski good time. For Liam, it is his first experience. It is a nice moment shared between brothers and cousins of all ages. There is a band playing. Eric, Nico and Alain are talking. Jenn, Emma and Audrey are hugging each other and dancing to the music. Liam is so tired that he fell asleep on the table.
I take a photo because i never want to forget this moment. We are a family of skiers and i am proud of this. Thank you my Eric Pham-dinh and Jennifer Hunnisett for setting this up, renting the cottage, inviting us over.
Thank you Nicolas Pham-Dinh for being our brother and such a great uncle to our kids.
Thank you Alain and Monique for traveling so far to see us.
Thank you Marthe Roy and Chi Pham-Dinh for being who you are, the best parents we could wish for and awesome grandparents to our kids.
Thank you Zack, you are the greatest coach Liam could have.
Thank you Emma and Audrey, your smiles, your joy and your laughter are one of the most beautiful things in my life.
Thank you Liam, my son, for being who you are, the greatest gift in my life.
Thank you everyone for being there through the good and not so good times of 2015. I love everyone of you a lot.
Original post, December 2015
Martin Pham Dinh 