Stepping Over the Edge

There are times in your life when an opportunity comes along that is just too great to pass up. Even if that opportunity seems a little scary. Ok, terrifying in fact. But you face that fear head on and say, “Hell, yeah.”

That’s what Over the Edge was to me. Special Olympics of Virginia’s annual fundraiser sends people rappelling down the side of the SunTrust building in downtown Richmond. That’s 28 stories, if you didn’t know. But after having two kids in the last two and half years, life had become “safe.” And this was my opportunity to add some danger to what otherwise would have been just another day.

One month before the event, I was told Rich and I were chosen to represent PUNCH. I was stoked.

Two weeks before, I learned we weren’t picked—we were the only names left after our coworkers backed out. I was a little nervous.

Three days before, Matt and Dave, last year’s daredevils, described their experience. I was nauseous.

And then the big day was here. And I laced up my sneakers, kissed my husband and kids goodbye, hopped into Rich’s jeep, and headed downtown. I was glad not to be driving.

Several hours passed from the time we arrived till it was our turn. A lot of forms to sign. A lot. Equipment fittings, a mildly frightening one-story practice run, and then we waited. And the anticipation built.

As we rode up the elevator, my heart started racing. This was it. And as we neared the top, my ears popped. My ears actually POPPED! A final climb up two more stories and the doors opened to a stunning view of Richmond. It was amazing. And terrifying. And exciting. I swallowed the lump that had sat in my throat since Wednesday and awaited my descent.

There were a few people ahead of us and I used that time to get a grasp on what I was about to do. On hands and knees, I leaned over to see the previous rappellers. I couldn’t see them. I leaned a little further. Then a little further. By the time I could finally see them, it felt as if I would tip right over the side. But I didn’t.

Our turn finally came and Rich and I stepped up on the ledge of the building. About 400 feet up. Rich looked confident. And since he had done this two years previous, it made me feel better. Just a little, though. The sun was setting and it was getting chilly. But I’m pretty sure that’s not why I was shaking.

I knew how to use the equipment. I knew I was securely locked in. And I knew I must be just a little bit crazy to do this. And with that, I stepped over the edge.

It’s hard for me to describe how I felt in the moments that immediately followed. Just pure adrenaline. Racing heart. Sweaty palms. Dry mouth. It’s all true. And it’s truly terrifying. But it’s also invigorating and remarkable. As I heaved 400 feet of rope through my equipment, I was proud of myself. This was a test of both spirit and strength—and I aced it.

Towards the end of my descent—which I was told was one of the fastest—I could hear my son’s little voice yelling, “Go Mommy!” That was the icing on this death-defying cake, having my family cheering me on as I conquered the SunTrust building. This was no ordinary day. It’s a day I’ll, without a doubt, never forget.

So many people asked why I would want to do this. And allow me to be a cliché when I say, “Why wouldn’t you?”