Kids with Guts
Do you remember your first jump off a diving board?
Or the queasy roil in your stomach the first time you heard the click of a roller coaster seat lock?
If not, then take a moment for a refresher course through the eyes of this 4th grader’s first ski jump.
Pretty cool, huh?
Does this bring back any memories for you?
For me? It’s the springboard high dive at my local pool. It was about 15 feet off the ground, and I used to climb down the ladder more often than I jumped off the board. (To the jeers of my friends below. :) )
hehehe. I was NOT this child. I was the one doing flips off the monkey bars. In high school I actually was a springboard diver. I remember feeling the clench of fear, but for some reason I can’t imagine now, I always thought the best way to deal with something was to dive head first into it. Interesting to think back on that. Thanks!
Anne M Leone recently posted..When writing is hard work (redux)
A springboard diver? Wow. You are brave. I always bounced up and then got wobbly legs before I could dive off. I shudder thinking about it even now. What I like about watching this video is how transparent the child is with her fear. Makes for good writing material. :)
The buildup is almost more than I can bear! I remember those moments, right before the plunge. Yikes. Oh man, I’m glad to be past all that stuff. I like how she’s so open about her nervousness – very cool. Me and my peers were filled with false bravado, everybody quivering inside and blase outwardly. Fun!
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The build-up is tough! If I was writing this scene, I’d send her over much sooner. The benefits of writing, no?
I have never been that brave as a child, although I have always loved to try new and exciting things. Well, with the exception of a roller coaster :-)
No roller coasters? I’d have thought you’d be the first one in line, Angela!
Oh geez, I was totally that kid ~ without the hesitation. There was a reason the doctors knew me by name at the ER. I was THAT kid. ;) I was also a diver in high school and then in college I dove the 3meter board and it was awesome. I even hit the board once and got right back up to do the dive. I was such a badass as a kid that now I’m a total chicken. Roller coasters terrify me. it’s so weird how it all switched when I got older!
I am in love with that little kid. Here. Goes. Something. Love it!
I’m really surprised that you and Angela don’t like roller coasters! You both strike me as the types to be sitting in the first cart. Aren’t those words great? I’m going to have to borrow them for a story. I’ll just have to!
Yiiiiiiiiiiiikes! I felt that! I love to ski but definitely need to have turns on my way down.
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That’s what I like about this video – we really get to feel her fear. It’s a great reminder for us adults what fear feels like. And, Patricia, like you, I’d have to take breaks on the way down too.
Wow! totally fun. But I’m afraid to do so.
:) Me too.
What an amazing kid. My breath stuck in my throat listening to him talk about what he was thinking at the top. “I can do this…WHOA! My skis slipped.” Then, to hear him cheer as he made it to the bottom…YOWZA! That kid is braver than I’ll ever be. :-)
Suzanne Lilly, the TeacherWriter recently posted..Tips for Writers, How to Write What You See
Okay, now I see the title and it’s a girl. Sorry, young lady, that I called you a boy in my first comment! You rock the slopes!
Suzanne Lilly, the TeacherWriter recently posted..Tips for Writers, How to Write What You See
I made the same mistake. :)
Suzanne – That’s how I felt. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been as patient either as the adult who was standing behind her either. That person was so kind and patient.
I don’t thin I have this kind of guts to do ahead, I prefer to sit and read interesting books… :)
He he me too Bridgette. If I didn’t climb back down that springboard, much to the derision and discomfort of everyone lined up behind me, I’d hold my nose and just jump feet first. I never did make it into a real dive.
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I’ve never been that so curious as a child. I love trying new things but this one never came to my mind. He must be very brave!
I used to be very brave too when I was a child. I can’t imagine doing the things that I did before today! Thank yo for sharing us this wonderful post.
I so love this post of yours, It brings back my childhood memories