When I found out that I needed to have a full knee replacement last spring the news did not set well with me. I have always been a very active person and I knew I would be off of my feet for quite some time after the surgery. Dr. John Roberson, head of orthopedic surgery at Emory, assured me that I would be back on my feet, better than ever. I told him my goal was to be able to go paddle boarding with my friend Pat! She has become addicted to the sport and has shaped up so amazingly over the past several months! She is also a patient of his, having had full knee replacement about a year and a half ago. I suppose you may call us his “poster girls” now!
Sooooooo….in the early morning hours this past Sunday we loaded everything up and headed to East Beach. There was only a tinge of light showing on the eastern horizon as we made the trek to the water, boards, oars and other paraphernalia in tow. We crossed our paddles, for good luck, before setting out. I got on the board, all fours on the surface, balanced and got onto my feet. I DID IT!!!!! It felt natural after a few minutes as I began to paddle away from shore with Pat and my daughter, Skylar. AND, my friend, photographer, Donna MacPherson, showed up to take some unexpected shots! She is such an amazing photographer!
What an awesome experience to be paddling along on calm waters, watching the sun come up on the horizon. Its light cast brilliant reflections as we paddled past the King & Prince Resort and further. We turned around to find our friend, Nancy, waiting to join us. And we took Max, Pat’s little Yorkie with us….he has his own life vest….he stood right on her board with her…so cute!
We rested for a few minutes then returned to our boards and paddled out again. There is an slight adrenaline rush one feels when moving on the top of the water in this way, as well as a deep sense of calm. I really can’t explain it, but I recommend it if you have never paddle boarded! During the second outing I began to feel a bit weak. Remember it has been less than four months since surgery!
I loved this experience so much! I have found a great way to get back in shape, take the pounds off that accumulated while unable to get much exercise and enjoy being with friends, out on the water. What a beautiful, beautiful day it was. Thanks to Tom and Pat Shelnutt for their friendship, the use of their boards and the initial lesson they gave me to get me going! And many, many thanks to Donna for the amazing photographs…you rock, girlfriend! Take a lesson…..get hooked….get in great shape! Note: In this photo my new knee is on my right leg, the one without the “leash” and you can’t even see the scar….Dr. Roberson ROCKS!
6 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
That is great! While you were watching the sun rise on East Beach we were on Jekyll catching trout. I love watching the sun rise. Wasn’t it beautiful??
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Melissa Says:
It was amazing! Marisa, we need to make a date to meet….finally!
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Donna MacPherson Says:
You were a natural! You have inspired me to get on board 🙂
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Melissa Says:
Donna, your photographs are fantastic. Let me know when you’re going to give it a try!
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Gwyn Littell Says:
How fun! You look great out there – a natural!
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Ann Payne Price Says:
Melissa, so happy for you and the photos are just wonderful. If I were not so old, I would be out there with you.
