Brave.

On Saturday, February 16, I participated in the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota.  The outside temperatures hovered around 10 degrees, but the sun was out and the wind was nonexistent.  In true Minnesota fashion, we all commented on how it could have been worse.  As I checked in for my insane jump into the lake, the volunteer complained at how cold it was in the heated tent.  I glared at her as if to say, Minnesotans don't complain about the cold; especially those who sit in heated tents while others jump into freezing cold lakes.  Apparently my glare was effective in communicating those thoughts, because she immediately followed up her comment with an apology.  

Brave is defined as "ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage."  Crazy is defined as "appearing absurdly out of place or in an unlikely position."  It seems like there is a fine line between brave and crazy.  Maybe it takes both to jump into a frozen lake on a day when the temperatures are below freezing.

walking out to the jump platform, realizing how crazy this is

one, two, three...

jump!

Holy s*@t this water is cold!

A little swim on a sunny day.

If I am being honest, I hate doing the polar plunge for the 90 seconds I am in the water.  It is so cold that you loose your vision for a split second as you panic.  The white spots appear next as you realize your entire body is in pain.  Then your fight or flight instinct kicks in and you forget your fellow jumpers as you try to swim for your life!

But, then every year as I leave the dressing tent in my dry clothes, I say I cannot wait to do it again next year!

Why?
Because of Steven.

You know how there are those people you meet who change your life?  Steven is one of those people.  Steven has Down Syndrome so he sees the world differently than the rest of us do.  Steven taught me that it is ok to love the people who are kind to you with everything you have.  Steven taught me to value man's best friend because dogs are always loyal.  Steven gave me the courage to face uncertain test results when I was pregnant with Molly because I knew she was a blessing no matter how she saw the world.  Steven has taught me to never give up, even when something is really, really hard and takes a long time to get right.  Steven taught me to see how to walk the line on the brave side of the line.  My life is certainly better for knowing him.  And, if jumping into a freezing cold lake during a Minnesota winter helps Steven then sign me up for next year.