The Leap

“If it’s both terrifying and amazing, you should definitely pursue it.”

Erada Svetlana

On one of my family’s Model A trips that took place over many summers, we went to the spectacular Monument Valley in northern Arizona.

Many of my cousins, friends, aunts, and uncles would join in on these chaotic, wonderful trips. We always knew where we were going but never had any idea of how long it would take us to get there or what we would encounter during any given day. Moving twenty or more people from point A to B, with lurches towards C, D, and other letters, in cars of questionable roadworthiness, was always an adventure and occasionally dangerous.

Anyway, Goulding’s Lodge is still the best place to stay in Monument Valley. We took their tour and saw incredible monoliths of every shape and size. We met Navajo people in their homes, forded rivers, and saw things most people only see in the movies.

The place I remember best was a huge rock formation called the Eye of the Sun. The sun passes the opening of the rock and forms the pupil of the Eye at a certain time of year. Just to the left of it is a steep grade, with a large sand dune far below.

My cousins and I climbed the slope, jumped toward the dune, and seemed to fly; that is really how it felt. Though it looked terrifying at first, it was an amazing experience.

For me, it stands as a metaphor of what lies between me and my dreams. And so, every day I climb the wall and jump, and sometimes I fly.

-Hank

Photo Credit: Janice MacLean