I almost died choking on a chunk of meat once. It was quite interesting how my mind went blank as soon as I realized I had to do something or I was dead. No thoughts, no fear. Just absolute focus and the will to do anything. I'm not sure if it was me sticking a fork down my throat or a guy who was there who started to hit me on the back to do the trick. But after 20 or so seconds I was once again able to breathe. I was red, sweaty and in tears due to the stress and I couldn't speak but I was ok. I realize anything can happen at all times and I'm trying to be always alert and ready (chewing my food like a mofo and warning others to do the same - and to call themselves lucky I'm now trained to respond and keep them alive in case they pass out). So far, so good.
What I'm afraid of as far as base jumping is concerned is that you can't react to what's happening or you have just a few seconds. What if the chute doesn't open properly? What if the wind slams you on the rocks?
You are gambling with your fate. True that we all gamble with it when we eat, walk down the stairs, drive around etc. But at least in those daily circumstances we can take proper countermeasures and deal with whats' happening as it happens.
I would understand though if you know the risk of doing something and you still do it because it matters so much to you. If you could choose to die while doing what makes you happy wouldn't you?
I remember the first time I was on a plane. I was in such a joy that I thought "if I die now, I wouldn't care. I'm so happy I'd die happy."
We are all going to die. I believe it's better to die while doing what means the most to us, than not living fully and safe, ending up not appreciating our life cause we give it for granted.
What I'm afraid of as far as base jumping is concerned is that you can't react to what's happening or you have just a few seconds. What if the chute doesn't open properly? What if the wind slams you on the rocks?
You are gambling with your fate. True that we all gamble with it when we eat, walk down the stairs, drive around etc. But at least in those daily circumstances we can take proper countermeasures and deal with whats' happening as it happens.
I would understand though if you know the risk of doing something and you still do it because it matters so much to you. If you could choose to die while doing what makes you happy wouldn't you?
I remember the first time I was on a plane. I was in such a joy that I thought "if I die now, I wouldn't care. I'm so happy I'd die happy."
We are all going to die. I believe it's better to die while doing what means the most to us, than not living fully and safe, ending up not appreciating our life cause we give it for granted.