Ode to my Knee

I owe you a debt of thanks

For being such a wonderful partner for all these years.

I’m sorry to see you go

But excited to be able to continue the adventures you and I have had.

You’ve taken me to the top of Mt. Elbert, the highest point in Colorado, twice.

You’ve gone with me on a fifteen day backpacking trip.

We’ve tramped beside beaver ponds,

And lakes still frozen in July.

You learned to go cross-country skiing with me

In the summer snow in Wyoming,

At Fox Island here at home,

And in the beautiful state parks of Michigan.

On my bicycle you’ve been a great partner

Allowed me to cycle one hundred miles in a day twice

Accompanied me on those “Ethel and others” trips

In Michigan, New York, and Indiana.

You’ve allowed me to bike with my daughters

And enjoy many miles of biking with Tom

Too often you’ve been taken for granted

And I truly appreciate your presence.

We’ve traveled together to Florida

Through visiting grandparents as a child

To caring for my dad as an adult

You’ve been a wonderful, steady, friend.

We’ve traveled the world together

Visited all fifty states

Been to Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and more

To Norway, Iceland, Croatia, and Slovenia.

You’ve grown with me

From when I was learning to crawl and walk

Into your maturity of seventy-three years

When you finally said, “I’m worn out and tired” – thank you!

(written 3 days before her knee replacement surgery)