A New Year, A New Shoulder

Happy New Year!

Today, as I welcome 2026,  I am saying goodbye to my right shoulder.

On January 12 I will undergo surgery for a reverse shoulder replacement.

Despite being congenitally deformed, with severe retroversion and dysplasia, it has given me 61 wonderful years.

Cartwheels down the road on the way to school, swinging from monkey bars. Spinning in circles with my sisters, holding hands and shrieking with delight as the world whirled by.

Countless hugs, and high fives.  Loving embraces with family, friends, lovers, my spouse.  

Together my shoulder and I lifted, nursed, burped, cradled, loved and played with two small beings who grew into two fine adults. 

Swimming in the cold current of the Ompompanoosuc. Poling along on cross country skis through pristine trails out the back door.

We did a lot of yoga together, dog poses, and childs poses; handstands and sun salutations. Quieter practices that gently mobilized the joint as it began to fail. 

In more recent years, we have hoisted backpacks to hike up favorite high peaks in VT,  NH, Patagonia and the Alps.

Together we have danced, loved, played, practiced yoga, taught yoga.

And now my beloved shoulder is tired and worn, and can no longer function without significant pain.  
On January 12, it will be replaced with a reverse total prosthetic.

With the new year, I let go of this vital part of me with gratitude and reverence, and—with wonder at the miracles of modern science—welcome its titanium replacement.

Despite the unknowns, I feel both grateful and curious about what comes next.

As we greet the new year, what do you let go of? What do you welcome? 

Happy New Year, and may 2026 bring you inspiration and joy, acceptance and continued resilience.