Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sport or Fitness (02/15/07)
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TITLE: SPIDERWOMAN | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kathleen Morris
02/17/07 -
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It had been a long journey so far, one that I hadn’t had much control over. Scenes of my life flashed before my eyes as I reflected on the way things could have been. If only I would have listened to them then.
I took a deep breath, inhaled all the flavours of the South African sunrise below, and wondered if heaven smelt so good. Maybe jumping could somehow set me in flight to a better place, a place without fear.
I thought of everyone back at Plettenberg Bay still sleeping, unaware of this. But it was something I had to do myself. It was a solo thing, reflective of my high-strung life. Why did I have to be such a prude?
A slight wind picked up and nearly knocked me off the platform, teetering my unprepared body. Was I ready? I didn’t know. Almost anything could happen. I could miss my target. I could panic and have a heart attack. I might just even grow wings and fly, fly all the way home.
That would be a good thing.
Suddenly, from down below I noticed him. It was my husband. He had come.
He had come to see me.
Tears streamed down my face as my whole body tingled. I wiped my cheek and sniffled, holding my head up high, determined to do this thing even more now. Would he understand when I reached the bottom? Would he know why I did it?
His inviting arms waved at me, calling out to me, trying to get me to notice. Oh, I noticed all right. I knew him well, and I knew what he wanted. I hadn’t been able to do it yesterday, but today would be my day.
Today.
“I love you!” I shouted through my chattering teeth as I prepared to leap. It was a moment in time that would prove to the world that I wasn’t a coward.
As the African sun broke through the clouds, I jumped, screaming like an awkward figure determined to surpass this obstacle.
Music throbbed in my head as I fell through the air upside down.
This is it!
I closed my eyes, surrendering to the almighty, waiting to be taken up into his saving grace.
My body trembled. Am I dead yet?
All I could hear was the roar of the wind as it blew through my ears. There was no celestial entourage for me, no waiting prize.
I reaped my own reward as I came to the end of my rope, that, and the most amazing spring I had ever encountered.
And I bounced wonderfully.
I had no wings, but somehow I was flying, somehow I had regained my composure and reached the level of confidence that I had so desperately wanted.
I cried as my husband grabbed my ankle attachment, bringing me into him, holding me tightly to his unshaven face.
He kissed me softly upside down, holding me as I dangled. It reminded me of Spiderman except I was the one with the web.
“You did it babe!” he smiled. “I never thought you’d be able to bungee jump. Sneaky girl, you made us all think you didn’t have it in you…. and here you are.”
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Like you, I have never been bungee jumping either. In my imagination I would be brave and easily take the step off the ledge. In reality I would probably require someone to get behind me and push me off of the platform.
I'm so excited for you on placing 2nd...excellent job!
Jayne :o)