Freed from fear of heights

Following my experience in New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a fear of heights lingered with me for nearly twenty years. Since I lived and worked in low-rise buildings, the fear went largely unaddressed until I attended a Christian Science family camp with my children. 

On the morning of our first day, our oldest child was eager to try the high ropes course. It didn’t occur to me not to join him, but when we arrived at the course site, I began to panic. The first element involved climbing a tall pole, then leaping off a narrow platform to try to catch a trapeze bar hanging some distance away. Feeling dizzy and nauseated, I reluctantly got in line. 

My love for my son and for the Christly atmosphere at the camp was enough to make me step forward when my turn came. As I climbed, I focused on simply loving God and being grateful for the opportunity to be at camp, the time to be with my kids, and even the uncovering of this fear so it could be dealt with. When I got to the top, I stood up and jumped from the platform, then grabbed the trapeze bar and swung freely until gently lowered to the ground. Thank you, God! My son never knew I had been so terrified, and I realized that a burden had been lifted.