An acrostic story. (26 sentences. The first letter of each new line beginning in sequence with the letters of the alphabet)

Airborne at last, Zaida heard her girlfriends cheering as she finally gathered the courage to leap.  

Being there for her today, and over the past year, meant so much to Zaida. Cancer had been the unrelenting enemy and while the fight was difficult, there were bright moments along the way.

During her treatments and surgery her astounding friends — Taylor, Val and Jane — supported her with food, visits, phone calls, messages, housecleaning, yard work, chauffeuring duties and most importantly ~ laughter!

Even when she pushed them away in her darkest hours, they remained close by, giving her space but refusing to leave her alone in her battle. Friendships like that are a treasure. Giving up hadn’t been an option, and their support had been as important as her medical team’s efforts to reclaim her health and get her to Rocky Point today.

High above the treetops on this spectacular June evening, she released her fears, both of heights and cancer. It was exhilarating! Jumping off the platform hadn’t been easy, but wow, what a ride it was!

Keeping her eyes to the sky, she saw a bald eagle soaring high above — a symbol of strength and courage. Letting go of her tight grip on the rope, Zaida closed her eyes, put her faith in the harness, leaned back and flew upside down along the cable.

Memories of the past year dissipated as she embraced the moment, feeling the cool evening air rushing past her. Never before had she experienced this feeling of total abandon. Officially cancer-free and flying high above the gorgeous ravines of the Pembina Valley, she felt euphoric.

Preparing to land, Zaida pulled herself upright, smiled broadly, letting out a ‘whoo-hoo’ as she coasted to the next platform. Quashing the trepidation and anxiety she had felt at the beginning was liberating.

Rocky Point Hy-Wire Adventures promised a “breath-taking outdoor thrill ride” and they did not disappoint. Sailing across the 1000-foot cable, 150 feet above the ground was indeed a thrill, and actually fun, yes fun!

Taylor had been right when she said if Zaida could beat cancer, she could conquer anything! Using this adventure to overcome her fears wasn’t as crazy as she thought.

Val’s wild shrieks now echoed across the valley as she was next to come across the zip-line. Watching her friend fly towards her, arms and legs outstretched at wide angles, Zaida laughed.

“X marks the spot, so outta my way!” Val hollered.

“You not only did it, you let go and hung upside down you show-off!” Val teased as she embraced Zaida.  

Zaida’s name meant, ‘fortunate one’ and she felt incredibly fortunate, and grateful — for her health, her family, her supportive friends, and this amazing, empowering experience.