Free Falling—The Ride of Your Life

By Karen Friday

What if this is as good as it gets? Life. Have you ever wondered? When life hasn’t turned out as you once hoped—you’ve felt cheated.

Those endearments people throw into the air, “the best part of your life” or “having the time of your life,” now seem cynical and even cruel.

I remember the day well. An amusement park ride appropriately named Free-fall. The wait in line gave us ample opportunity to watch and ponder the decision to follow through with the adventure.

A fear of heights gave way to assurance from my college friends. I would be fine. I could do this. They would be with me.

Strapping in with other thrill-seekers and traveling to soaring heights, we could see the entire park from the top. I tried to brace myself for the fall, gripping the sidebar until my knuckles turned white. As the sound of an electronic release bellowed behind us, the bottom fell out, dropping us with terrifying speed and force that took my breath.

Read More…