The Reunion

You might assume that in my trip home to my high school reunion the story would be about the reunion, but actually nothing too weird happened. In fact, I had a fabulous time and enjoyed seeing everyone again. Of course there were a few awkward moments and a few weird moments, but all in all it was very fun. However, my trip home was much more terrifying. It has been 10 years since high school, and in those 10 years I have never, ever driven that devilish canyon called Salt River. Of course, I have ridden up and down that canyon hundreds of times, but to drive it? Obviously you have forgotten of my paralyzing fear of heights. (I know, I know many of you drive it every other weekend. Well, bless your souls, because you are amazing in my book.) I had been in the valley Thursday night with friends and my dad was coming to pick me up Friday morning. Unfortunately, his office staff was gone, so he had to get up at 4 a.m. to get me and be home by the late morning. Obviously, getting up at 4a.m. and driving straight for hours makes you a little sleepy. I have seen enough of those "Don't drive drowsy" commercials to know that perhaps I should drive. The slight problem was that paralyzing fear of heights. However, I bravely acted like it was no big deal and asked to drive. I took a deep breath, put the car in 2nd gear and off we went. However, as soon as I saw that empty cliff approaching I proceeded to have an anxiety attack.( Ok, I don't really know what an anxiety attack is, but if this wasn't one I don't know what is.) My leg began to uncontrollably shake, my hands were so sweaty I could barely grip the wheel, and the worst part was that I began to get dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. I know, I know it's just the canyon, but unfortunately to my head and body the canyon was a big, monsterous killer. The fact that I couldn't stop my leg from shaking, grip the wheel, breathe, or stop my head from spinning may seem like bad things. However, coupled with the fact that we are curving down a monsterous cliff with a line of cars behind me and only a thin rail between me and death, kind of makes it a little bit worse. As I fought for control the radio played the climax of Jimmy Stewart and the Six Gun Shooter, this was the part where the guy was going to be gunned down. At that moment with perspiration falling from my face, I finally let it out. "Dad, I can't do this." It was like I had been hit with the gunner's bullet. As you might guess, my dad had already caught on to this fact and was fully awake. He coached me down and the moment I saw the rest area I pulled over and was done. By the time I got home, I was very grateful to be alive, and maybe that is why the reunion was so enjoyable. Once you have looked death in the eye, you aren't as worried about silly things like how everyone looks and what they are wearing. (Ok, I do admit, I still found out what people were wearing that night. There are just some things that stay with you no matter what.)