Red has done a few black diamonds over this season and last, but they have usually been pretty hairy, and involved tears by at least one of us. Last weekend we headed up to our home mountain, Bogus Basin, and the snow was great. It’s been a bad season, and we were delighted to finally get some good snow. My husband pointed out the black diamond, Upper Paradise, that Red had done before. ‘I’m not sure,’ Red said. ‘Isn’t is scary?’

‘Trust me, I’ll lead you.’ said Dad. And Red did. And for the first time I watched him ski a black diamond run. Not slip down it, crying, fully out of his comfort zone. He focused on his dad’s skis, followed his turns, and flew down that hill. I’m so proud of Red and his courage.  I’m more proud of my husband and his patience. He has been coaching Red down ski runs for three years now, quietly helping and lending a much needed air of calm, knowing when to push him on a bit, and when to let him sit in his comfort zone. And I got to watch the delightful pay-off.