As I begin to write this newsletter at the very end of October, I sit at the Crash Pad looking out the window as the late Autumn sun beams down from a blue sky onto trees whose leaves have dropped for the year and are now covering the forest floor.
October has been a life changing month for me.
4 years ago this month, we began building the Crash Pad.
2 years ago to the day, my back challenges began in force. And much to my disbelief, 3 weeks ago today I had a second back surgery.
In retrospect I am not sure traveling to the Crash Pad was the best idea so early in my recovery, but I did make it and am spending weeks 3 and 4 (of my 6 week recovery) here. Happy to be settled into the woods as I rest and recover (but also definitely longing for a body that allows me to move and ride my bike).
Without question, these major life events have changed me forever.
The Crash Pad build has had many moments of stress and frustration wondering if it is worth it, it has become a major part of my life story, and most importantly (and unbelievably to me) ~ it has become my respite.
Going from an able bodied athletic person who has never had any health issues to a ‘sick’ person has been a difficult reality to grasp.
Both big changes in my life can’t be undone, no matter how much for both of them I have had moments I wish they had never happened. One I have accepted and grown to love (the Crash Pad), one I am still grappling with but hope to eventually see the positive side to as well (my back).
Going through a second back surgery recovery in 1 1/2 years is no joke. This time I have spent a lot more of my time on the couch (at home and here), I actually read a book in less than 3 weeks!, I have had time to return to my hobby of writing and making videos, and Solrig has been a great recovery friend ~ being by my side as I walk up and down the drive at the Crash Pad (a crucial activity for my recovery, and the only ‘active’ thing I can do for these 6 weeks).
I am working really hard at trying to stay in each day and focus on a good recovery. But I have to admit, even though I am excited about (hopefully) getting the ‘green light’ at my post-op with my surgeon in late November, this time around my optimism is dampened and I have reason for concern about my mobility future. Recovery as an athlete has definitely been hard. both times. Two years of intense pain and subsequent surgeries has taken a toll on both my body and mind.
Additionally, I was diagnosed with skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) on my nose in July. Unfortunately I have had to postpone surgery twice (first for a new job, and second for my back surgery), so I will be hopping right from one recovery into the next.
And to think I was supposed to be living in Ireland right now (that’s a story for another day) ~ life seems to have a way of working out and I am thankful to be here with my family and medical teams, and not there.
I have so much to say about the last two years, but I am sure you can understand much of my focus has been on life and recovery. I look forward to having time to reflect and share.
Thanks for staying here, reading my writing, watching my videos, and supporting my creativity. Wishing you a good end of 2026 (what?!!!) and I hope to meet you back here soon. ~DeAnn
In GenX Notes…
I put together all my thoughts and tips about our trip to Denmark in August 2025.
I discuss my feelings about going through back pain and surgery ~ for the second time.
In Cabin Stories…
If you have been here awhile you know I usually end the newsletter with “What’s Been Happening at The Crash Pad You Might Ask?” But so much time has passed, and so much has happened since my last newsletter, I thought I would turn this into it’s own story section called… “What’s Been Happening at The Crash Pad”. The first installment is here:
Sharing is Caring…
Maloja: Thanks to New Moon I finally found some socks and gloves I love! Seriously THE best socks and gloves I have ever found.
Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump: Both Kurt and I ride with these now, the best!
Gabby Reece is right. I don’t follow Gabby Reece, but this video came up in my YouTube feed; it is spot on, she has good sources (Stacy Sims being one), and the graphics are super well done. Kurt and I watched this together and both recommend giving it a watch.
Rebuilding My Body & Starting Over After Surgery. This is SO relatable to me right now, especially what he says at 17:33. I know nothing about Rich Roll, except that he and Stacy Sims were in a Momentous (one of my supplement brand’s) email sent to me about this conversation.