I have witnessed a little girl take a leap of faith. A skinny child, aged around 7, she was standing on a 40 foot high platform, harnessed to a wire which would bring her safely back to earth. She had completed the high-rope adventure course and this was her grand finale. All she had to do was step off.
Her instructor whispered words of encouragement while far, far below friends and family were shouting, “You can do it! It’s ok, jump!”
She peered down at them, one gangly leg stretched out. She wanted to jump, she really did, but this was scary. 40 feet is a long way. She stepped back to safety.
By now a crowd had gathered as is usually the case when people stand still and look skyward. Runners, dog walkers, cyclists, all transfixed by the spectacle, all willing her on.
5 minutes passed. Her instructor spoke gently to her, the crowd grew larger, she moved closer to the edge. We all shouted, “3 … 2 … 1 … go!” She giggled nervously. Again we shouted, “3 ….. 2 ….. 1 ….. go!” She stepped forward, more confident this time, went to step off…….. and again retreated.
Another 5 minutes passed. Some of the crowd had made themselves comfortable on the grass, bicycles abandoned, dogs pacified with toys and treats. We began a slow clap, gradually upping the tempo, cheering, encouraging her.
The girl’s father stood below her on the soft landing mat, his big arms outstretched. “Don’t worry, I will catch you. Jump Sweetheart, jump!” She pulled herself up to her full height, took a deep breath, strode purposefully forward and stopped. Friends, family and strangers all fell silent, save for the odd whisper, ‘Come on, you can do it.’
Another 5 minutes and it was decided that Dad should harness up and climb the steps to join his sweetheart at the top. He didn’t look too happy at the prospect but he climbed up the tower nevertheless, slowing as he neared the summit. He sat beside her, spoke to her gently and nodded.
She stepped off.
The crowd went wild. We clapped and whooped, some of us cried, for we had witnessed a huge event in this little one’s life. We turned to each other, complete strangers and smiled. We had all bonded for a few moments. The crowd dispersed to walk the dogs, buy ice cream, back to their day.
And Dad? Well he jumped too, how could he not? He landed softly but ungainly on his bottom much to his Sweetheart’s delight and was rewarded with a huge hug.
The End
Fancy a go?
http://www.aerialextreme.co.uk/locations/milton-keynes/
Wendy Witch 