by buttons

My eyes were fixed on the pavement sixteen stories below me. I knew it would happen any second; i knew I would meet an undeniable fate. "3, 2, 1, FLY!" I screamed as my body hurled towards the ground. And then it was over.

The wind brushed against mycheeks. I swung back and forth, giggling. I did it; I bungee-jumped. Adrenaline pumped through my veins as the attendants unfastened me. At the time, I was attending a Girl Scout Wider Opportunity for two weeks in Ohio. Seventy-one girls from across the ocuntry were selected to participate in this prestigious program. I knew I had to make the most of my time because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

My decision to jump did not come easily. Should I do it? Is it safe? My eyes were fixed on the tower that loomed over. It was so high, too high. I knew an opportunity like this did not happen often. I trembled as I watched others make the journey up and then down. What if the cord broke? Was this really something I really wanted to do?

Putting my fears aside, I paid the twenty dollars and found my place in line. My body quivered as I placed each leg through the flight suit stirrup.

"You know, you're missing a piece of your suit."

My eyes grew wide and my jaw dropped. I spun around and saw the attendant standing next to me. "What? What did you say?" I stammered. My lip trembled and I was again consumed by fear.

"You heard me." He smirked.

"You're not serious, are you?" I looked at the line that was slowly vanishing. Only two people came between the bungee platform and me.

"I'm only kidding you." He laughed and patted my back.

I smiled and chuckled nervously. What if something was wrong with my flight suit? What if he wasn't kidding me? The jumper before me shrieked as she plummeted towards the ground. I closed my eyes, I couldn't watch.

Finally it was my turn; the moment had come for me to jump. Clenching my jaw, I stepped onto the platform. There was no turning back.

This was perhaps one of the hardest things I have done in my life, but it showed me that I can conquer my fears. The memory of bungee-jumping will always be with me. The feeling of having the ground rush to meet my face and the pure ecstasy that resulted from jumping will never escape my mind. I have many fears yet to face and many fears yet to conquer. I know I can get past anything because I hold courage within my heart. Putting my foot on the platform was the hardest part, but once I worked up the nerve to jump, the rest was as easy as swinginging in the breeze.

--buttons

Added 17 November 1998

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