They said, when you go parachuting you will encounter three phases on the process. First, you have got to prepared and tied yourself up to take the fall. It will take us to channel either courage or insanity within, because it will be the most important part of three. You have got to start it or else you wouldn’t get to the parachute part, right?
The second part is the moment when you need to open the parachute which strapped to your back. So, when is the right time? It depends, but for me is when the rope I am currently holding on have been let go on the other end. No, don’t worry, it is necessary. I would have gone to a terrible shock from the pressure if it weren’t so, and I might have died from the experience. Although it was dangerous, the rope is there because I insisted to go solo.
“Remember to pull this up when it’s already falling faster than you!” said the instructors just a minute ago. I thought I will be comforted by this rope a lot longer, but apparently my minutes have been up. Daring, and driven by insanity, I bet the “I will never go parachuting again” thought will soon cross my mind. As it was instructed, I closed my eyes and tried to pull up another tie which will open up my parachute.
“You will experience a little bit of shock as you open it. It feels like you have been pushed back by the wind, but it will be quick and not at all dangerous.” I keep eyes closed and my hand tight to both rope which no longer served each of its purpose. Not at all dangerous they said, but I think my heart skipped at least three beats as it unfurls behind me.
“After that, things will feel much more peaceful.” As my speed slowed down, I finally open up my eyes, “..and you will experience the most enchanting part of the fall.” and slowly let go of both tie. The view is magnificent.
Closer than what I used to seen on flights, I can see the whole neighborhood in perspective. On far left of the view, I can see that some of my neighbors are giggling over conversations as they are preparing an exciting wedding for the evening, one that all of the people in this neighborhood look forward to. On the bottom edges of the neighborhood, I see that three of my neighborhood part goodbyes, as one of them get into a taxi and left. On another part of the boundary, I can see that another two of my neighbors are hugging, keeping their eyes to one another, and feeling giddy as they are setting off to a new adventure ahead, beyond this very neighborhood.
And oh! that’s my beautiful tiny backyard on that end!
Over this long and beautiful five minutes I have experienced, I strongly believed that I see and hear things that are meant to be seen and heard by me. Maybe most of them didn’t have anything to do with me or to my favor, but when I look every inch of it from above, I can’t help but to remove myself from the narrative. This very neighborhood I called mine, are nothing but equally meaningful for them as it is also theirs to keep.
So, wherever each of you stand on parts of this neighborhood, carry on. And please, enjoy the rest of your day in our dearest neighborhood as I am catching up to my very first landing.
The Loudest Backyard 