As I was perusing the web for a subject for today’s post, I came across an announcement for Robbie Knievel attempting to land a jump that nearly killed his father, “Evel.” The stunt involved jumping 13 double decker buses. “Evel” Knievel broke his pelvis and was severely concussed as a result of his attempt. Robbie Knievel will attempt 16 buses.

The question that immediately came to my head was “why?” Why would someone willingly put themselves in a position where they could potentially, no, PROBABLY be killed? The only solution that came to mind was that either a) Robbie Knievel wants to die or b) his personality is such that he enjoys and craves the danger…that need to overcome and conquer, to continually push the limits of others and themselves.

But what if you die?? For such a person, death in pursuit of those lofty dreams would not be a burden. It wouldn’t be a “shame” or a “pity.” It would be a triumph. To go out knowing that you gave pursued your heart’s deepest goals with every fiber of your being must be some sort of solace. For who, though? I mean, they’re dead. They can’t feel anything. But perhaps for the families left behind by those who die on motorcycles, hang gliders, surfboards, parachutes, and whatever else…perhaps there is some comfort that their loved one gave their life everything they had and lived it the best they could…no matter how crazy that may seem to some of us.

As for me, I take pictures.