by Jamie Kumlien

I have very rarely been surprised by a birthday gift in my now 17 years on this planet. My mom is really crappy at very few things, but keeping a secret about a good gift is certainly at the top of that very short list. This year I have to say she both surprised and delighted me with the gift that she and my dad gave me. What I was given by my family was a trip that re-ignited a fire I forgot about a while ago.

I got the paper on my dresser that told me “happy birthday Jamie”, and I struggled to understand what it meant. It was clearly flight reservations to arrive in Houston, Texas. What? Where am I going? My parents greeted me with smiles and stated, “you are going to stay with the Gleason family, and train with Andre DeVilliers”. I was shocked, but started to get that nervous excited feeling that happens before something really good.

I was going by myself, and I asked my parents what I should work on? They laughed and reminded me that I am nearly an adult, and that this trip was to find what I wanted to do with my skiing. I got the: “the party is almost over” speech, and the: “college is right around the corner” speech. We talked at length about all of the wonderful experiences I have had through my skiing, but I am clearly at somewhat of a crossroads. I know I cannot do it all, and have to start making choices.

I have no regrets, but also am not sure where to go from here. What I do know is that I have tried every kind of barefooting there is, with the exception of freestyle. I have seen Andre’s videos, and LOVE the “no rules” aspect of freestyle. I also have to admit that I LOVE showskiing, and freestyle will mesh very well into my comfort zone. I started to see ways where I could use the craziness of freestyle to entertain. Heck I know I am entertained every time I see Andre’s videos.

I got ready to go, but was baffled by the fact that my parents only let me take one suit, my new jump suit for the Rock Aqua Jays ski team. It is really nice, but a long jumping suit was not exactly going to allow me much barefooting freedom. My parents talked about baggage rules, and weight restrictions, so I agreed. I was thrilled that I could take my jumpers, and get some much needed ramp time. I got many looks from the TSA staff at O’Hare, as my skis resembled a body bag. The flight was uneventful with the exception of my arrival time. Thanks Andre and Michelle for greeting me at the VERY late hour. They were all smiles, and could not have made me feel more welcome. My mom was happy that she had another mom to talk to that was watching over me … must be a “mom thing”.

I quickly got to bed because I was not going to waste a minute! It then got very clear as to why I was only allowed to take the one suit. Waiting for me was a brand new Bird of Prey suit, made complete with my last name on the back. It was so cool looking that I wanted to try it on, but needed to get some sleep. I was thrilled that we got up bright and early on day one, and Andre was ready to run me as hard as I wanted to go. We started slow, and I showed him my capabilities. He was such an incredible instructor. I have been so very fortunate to train with so many people. This was a truly special experience. Andre was both energetic and supportive. It was such a high to see HIM going crazy with excitement when I landed something new. Things felt fresh, like when I was little. I really got to see the world through the young eyes I have not had for quite a while.

I fell, and crashed, and face-planted… and it was AWESOME!!!!! I jumped, and jumped… over the boat, over the wake, and even over Andre! I learned how to side slide, and my dolphin start is coming along. It has gone from a carp to maybe a salmon, hey remember I am from Wisconsin! Most of our fish don’t jump too high, they would hit their head on ice four months out of the year. The skiing was so much fun. The Gleason home was wonderful, and their neighbors could not have been better to our boat full of adventurers. The private lake was glass, and the weather was HOT!!! Yes Chuck HOT!!! Ninety degrees is not warm to a kid from Wisconsin. The warm weather was a nice break from our unpredictable Wisconsin spring. A parka in the morning and shorts at the end of the day is never odd in May back home. I do however, invite all of you to join me on the Rock River in January. Dad says he would help break up the ice so we could ski, haha.

Life has been a bit stressful for my family in the past several months, and I laughed A LOT during my trip. It was so nice to also have a surrogate little sibling, as I did not have to miss mine so much. Katherine Gleason is a great kid! Not quite the “Mikey” that I am used to, but I am not so sure the world could handle another one of them. She made me feel right at home, and it was fun to see her laugh at all of us killing ourselves. It also gave me a great excuse to get some ice cream. Little kids are great covers to go to Disney movies, and get great snacks! Michelle also took very good care of me, and I felt very comfortable. It was really neat to see the Eagle plant, and watch new suits being designed, I was soaking in what I could.

We also played some games off the water and had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed that part of my trip. My days ended enjoyable when I was able to participate in my portion of “the game”. I continue to play my game when I get the chance. My brother thinks it is funny, and by the way I am getting in shape for wrestling through all of the push-ups! We tallied up 10 push-ups for every: my, mine, or myself we uttered. I do miss the impeccable tallying of Katherine. Mikey misses a lot, and often cheats me out of earned exercise!

The days at the Lakes of Katy went so fast! Soon it was back to home, and the end of my school year. What an incredible experience though. I would have never imagined that I would have had so much fun. Thank you Katherine, Michelle, Nick, Andre, and of course Chuck for one of the best ski trips that I have had. I also encourage anyone looking to re-ignite their inner “fire” to take a trip to Katy, Texas. I came home with much more than freestyle skills, I came home with a fresh set of footer’s eyes. I am learning again just like Mikey and Jacklyn. I caught myself today jumping in our boat and celebrating in a way that looked eerily similar to Mikey. Oh well, I am not proud, I’d do it again. This is fun!!! I am blessed to be able to do what I love, as crazy as I want to, with the family that I adore. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Thank You Gleason Family, and BFC

Jamie

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE