I always knew I had a very brave aunt, but I don't think I knew exactly how brave she was until she walked along a path that would lead her under the Bloukrans Bridge.
On the 6th of July, I went with aunty Dawn, a friend of hers and her husband to Tsitsikamma. She had made up her mind that she was going to Bungy Jump for her 50th birthday. Yes, Bungy Jump!
I remember when I considered Bungy Jumping someday...that was a long time ago. I am completely terrified now. Or I was terrified until I went with aunty Dawn and watched her jump...her and approximately 19 other people. As they jumped, I jumped in my mind. Of course it doesn't compare. But now I think that I might attempt it someday.
As I stood from a distance I realized that Bungy Jumping is not merely about an Adrenalin rush, it's about so much more than that. It's about conquering your fears. It's about proving to yourself that you are way way more fearless than what that little voice inside of you tries to convince you of. It's about reminding yourself of your courageous heart longing to live a free and fulfilling life. Jumping down that bridge (with a very strong elastic string attached to you) is something everyone should do once in their lives. Or so aunty Dawn says. I'll definitely take her up on that someday. In fact, she's already offered to go along with me when I do decide to jump and jump for her second time. Then, she could add a little more flavor to her jump. Yes, apparently, when you jump for your second time you can jump backwards. Ultra cool and super scary.
Before aunty Dawn went jumping we did a mini-shoot. That is after all why I went with. Yes folks, photography does give one access to a number of cool outings :) I tried to photograph her falling from the bridge, but I was really way too far from it. After she jumped, we continued our shoot. This time, her husband joined us.
Aunty Dawn, thank you for your brave heart, courageous spirit and beautiful soul. You have inspired me more than you know. Not only in your fearless act of jumping down that bridge, but by the way you live your life: passionate and full of purpose. Thank you that you're always true to yourself against all odds. May God richly bless your life and may He fill it with more enriching experiences that will keep your light shining bright.
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