This is the latest theme in my life.  We go round and round and revisit moments of our past.  Although, they look a little different.  Our surroundings change.  The characters change.  We’re older.  We’re more experienced.  But, the moment is the lesson.  And, the lesson is important enough to appear again.

The moment that recently reappeared again reminds me to appreciate achievements.  Here’s a little achievement that I am eternally grateful: athletic ability and fearlessness.

Dad taught me to stand in his hand balancing on one foot as a toddler before I could even walk.  This is one of the earliest memories of my life.  I actually recall performing for visiting guests one day.  I can still see my tiny feet in my father’s palm. I remember him telling me what to do, “Now, lift your foot,” and I was scared.  I was scared, but I trusted him.  He wouldn’t drop me.  So, I slowly and apprehensively lifted my foot.  People in the room cheered and it was fun.  It was easy.  I could feel my Dad’s palm grip my standing foot tight and his weight holding me up.

The trick only lasted a few seconds before it was over.  It was a good experience.  I achieved something really cool and it made me happy.

… And then I became an athlete and a stunt performer.  Taking risks was a lesson learned at an early age.