Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Don't go chasing Waterfalls.... Climb them instead!

















Well, Today I start my tale of a cruise into my new life, a life I am not quite ready to start but one I am excited to begin. I enjoyed my cruise, I love being with my George and there's a wonderful lack of distractions on vacation... especially on a cruise. We went to Haiti and Jamaica on Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas. I have been afraid to visit Jamaica since I have always wanted to climb Dunns' River Falls. Climbing a waterfall seems unreal... to someone with Mobility issues like me. A year ago, I wouldn't have spend much time on the cruise... out of a wheelchair. 11 months, post-banding... and I grabbed the brass ring. I climbed Dunns' River Falls.... Slippery when wet, is not just a BonJovi Album, is was my quest. I could feel the fear rising from my stomach to my throat... even my band couldn't block that. I walked down what seemed like a million steps... to the beach at the bottom of the Waterfalls, i almost chickened out several times, but the thought of climbing back up all those steps was too much to bear... Laziness is as good a reason as any to face your fears... right? I felt the ice cold water surrounding my feet.... my thoughts were racing, "the thousands of stairs are dry and stable"... I grabbed George's hand to take my first step up... and a few steps later... I heard watch that next step, it's a doesy.... fast forward to a few minutes later, me wet. Crying and Clinging to the wall... I got through the first big hill but there was still alot of waterfall ahead of me. The guide took pity on me... and helped me with a hand up and I kept climbing. I went higher and higher, I didn't climb the last big hill but I made it all the way up to it... and felt amazing with my accomplishment... but my legs felt like jelly for 2 days. I didn't end up back in my wheelchair though and I have had a life experience crossed off my bucket list. Next time, I will climb the last big hill. But I sum it up by saying, losing 116 pounds does not an athlete make... but I am getting stronger every day. I climbed a waterfall, and I explored caves...there were inclines, sandy beaches, cruise ship stairs, and slippery river stones... Last week, I was active by choice... Last year, I dreaded having to walk to the bathroom by need. I am a work in progress... and even though I wish I was celebrating reaching my big goal, I am thrilled to be celebrating reaching new heights!

17 comments:

  1. Those pictures are beautiful :) You looked like you definately had an awesome time - no wonder your feeling post-cruise blues!

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  2. Good for you! That sounds like an amazing experience to begin with, but then even more special because of how far you've come.

    You're a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing the story and the pictures.

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  3. Maria, I am SO proud of you! You look beautiful there in that waterfall. So much has changed for you this year. You are awesome!

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  4. wow that sounds so amazing! you are awesome girl. you are such an inspiration with how far you have come. keep climbing those waterfalls.

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  5. that is awesome, you rock!

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  6. That's such an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  7. Keep up the great work and next time you will be racing up that waterfall the rate you are going!!!

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  8. TAKE A BOW!!!I have climbed those falls and that is no easy feat!!! Well check that off of your list as been there done that!! On to sky diving.. love ya

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  9. You are so amazing... so proud of you!

    Do you realise how photogenic you are?

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  10. AWESOME! Plus, gah, the pictures are adorable!! What a beautiful place.

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  11. Maria!!! I can't believe that we missed the best photo op of all time. Two Boobs climbing Dunns River Falls. I just got back from Ocho Rios last night. I couldn't find anyone to climb them with me. I'm so sad. I climbed the falls in the DR years ago when I was up around my heaviest. It was tragic. There is a video. You can see the moment when I step down with all 300 lbs on some poor tour guide's foot. His head rears back in pain and he almost howls. There is also a shot of me lumbering--and I do mean lumbering--through the water. I say next year we go back together. We'll be fleet-footed gazelles streaking up the falls. Last big hill and all.

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  12. I LOVE the pics! We got married in Ocho Rios and hiked Dunns River then. I was 250ish pounds, and the video is NOT pretty! You did great! You should really feel proud of yourself!

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  13. You look so happy and thats what life is all about - love the pics!

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  14. Wow! Total NSV and accomplishment! Last time I was there, I was too heavy to do any climbing and just stood in front of the falls and had my pic taken... Anyways, congrats on your fabulousness!

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  15. Maria, you are an inspiration! I'm so proud of you. Love the pics too!

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  16. What a great post! I knew I recognized those Falls (we went to Ocho Rios for our honeymoon and have a similar picture). You guys look great and you accomplished so much :)

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  17. You are making me cry. I am SO inspired by you! Damn, girl...I was impressed with you walking around Disney all day and riding the roller coasters with no problem, but climbing waterfalls...CRAZY impressive.

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