Conquering your fear and enjoying the beauty

I had planned on just writing about the beautiful trip we took up Mt. Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. But this day trip had more in store for me. We were fortunate enough to spend Memorial Day weekend with a family we are very close with, thanks to both our sons having Down syndrome. It's nice to spend time with people who "get" you. Anyhow, we decided to take our respective minivans up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. What the heck, I'd never been and it seemed like a holiday weekend thing to do.

As we pulled up to the start of the road, we were handed this folder. I should have been worried when the envelope talked about cooling your brakes and in bold telling you to drive all the way up and down in lowest gear. I just remember thinking let's get this show on the road! Did I mention that my husband asked me if I wanted him to drive and I said no?

We popped in the CD given to us and listened to the history of the road as we slowly made our way to the summit. . . . I was listening until the tree line stopped. Then I think my heart stopped beating. Holy ca ca. I was scared. The road was narrow, shared by traffic both ways, and we were just a few feet from careening off the side of the mountain. Holy ca ca!! Just writing this now brings shakes to my typing (or maybe that is 4 cups of coffee). My husband had the audacity to stick his head out the sun roof and take pictures, while yelling to me, "Check this out!!" I don't remember exactly what I screamed back, but expletives were involved. I was driving, leaning into the mountain, thinking this would help balance the car. Seriously?

Oh yea, I was scared

When we finally got to the top, parked on an expansive lot, I could get out of the car and feel my feet squarely on the ground. And I felt safe.

Well, this was all new to me. Being scared. Sure, I'm not wild about heights, like the top of a Ferris wheel, but many people don't like too. I looked around at the summit and didn't see the fear in other's faces like I felt in mine. And I didn't like it. Didn't like feeling the fear. And knew I couldn't gaze up at Mt. Washington from below and not remember how I was scared and didn't do anything about it. So I did. I was scared, but I stuck my head out the window. And it was worth it.

Beautiful, just beautiful

  I hope my kids learn to stick their heads out the window when they are scared (not literally, unless it is safe, just figuratively). I didn't want to regret being afraid and not doing anything about it. So go ahead, stick your head out of your proverbial window. You'll be glad you did.

Head out the window, wind blowing in hair, bugs in teeth, and I felt fine.

Debbie

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