I am not one for taking risks.
My bucket list is entirely bungee jumping and skydiving free.
I take the safe choices.
I am safe in my design, in my clothes, in my hair color.
I named my kid a safe name.
I drive a 4 door, silver sedan.
I try to not attract attention.
I keep my voice inside my chest.
I fear confrontation.
I am afraid of falling from heights. I am historically afraid of flying.
Except.
Ever since Dad died, I am not afraid to fly.
While flying into Salt Lake City last week, I realized there was no fear.
I like to think that is a gift from my Daddy.
That he didn’t say goodbye to me.
He helped me say goodbye to my fear.
I wouldn’t have considered the Ziprider on my own.
Leslie and Jessica were ALL about it.
Leslie who is taking the 30s by the balls.
Jessica who isn’t afraid to be beautiful
We were doing this.
Nervous toots and all.
When the door opened, I screamed.
Not because I was scared, but because I COULD
I set free that voice that lives in my chest.
I threw up my arms and yelled “ALL RIGHT!”
Then I was silent.
I watched the trees.
I felt the wind.
I flew.
I laughed.
I fell in the arms of my friends.
Who were watching the entire time.
(Leslie and Victoria’s perspective on my Zipride with Jessica.)
And just because the ride ended, doesn’t mean I stopped flying.
14 Comments
Amanda
Oh, and how you soar, lady, how very spectacularly you do soar.
Jyl Johnson Pattee
Truly beautiful, touching post, Dawn. I love the last line particularly!
xoxo
Miss Grace
You are such a damn beautiful lady.
Krista Parry
Thank you for the beautiful post about how the Zipline helped you fly. Like you said, just because the ride is over doesn’t mean that you have to stop flying. Here’s to new heights!
Krista Parry
Park City Mountain Resort
TexasRed
Fantastic perspective! I think this is what our 30s is all about!
Jessica Shyba
Oh my god, Dawn. This had me in tears.
SUCH a beautiful post… I need to read it again and again. Captured perfectly- all of it.
Thank you… I’ll not forget these moments we spent together!
Mrs. Flinger
TexasRed is so right: THIS is what our thirties are all about. Learning to embrace rather than to fear.
I love you, dear. So hard.
Burgh Baby
I pink puffy heart you. And wish I had been there.
Overflowing Brain (Katie)
I nodded my head along as I read. Except that I didn’t do the zip line. Even though a little part of me wanted to, the controlled safe part didn’t.
Maybe next year. 🙂
christina mccarthy
I don’t know you, but am PROuD of you! I’m in my 40s, rapidly nearing 50, yet your are beyond me. Congrats on beginning your flight!
Esther Crawford
Wow, that was really touching.
Clair
Wow, this blew me away. Ever since my dad died I’m not really afraid of anything. I guess I’m not alone in that. Thanks.
Meg
So proud of you! Ziplining is one of the most amazingly fun things I’ve ever done…just wish I could have been there with you lovely ladies.
Also, I never would have pegged your for the safe, wallflower type. You put on a good show!
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