From Jumping In Childhood To Jumping In Life

From Jumping In Childhood To Jumping In Life

Growing up my family was one of about two black families in town. Now there is more diversity, but back then not so much.

Some weekends my family would drive to New York to visit my great uncle and great aunt and my cousins.

One time my great aunt asked me, “Khristee, do you double dutch?”

”No,” I replied.

“Do you know how to double Dutch?“ she asked.

“No,” I replied.

She smiled.

“I will teach you.“

We went to the back.

“First, just watch.“

I watched the ropes swing quickly and the girls jump in and effortlessly jump and dance with the ropes. I was mesmerized.

“Now, you try.“

The twins started the ropes. They spun round and round.

“Now, jump!“

I paused and jumped. And the ropes hit me and stopped dead.

“You have to be quick. When I say jump, jump.“

They started up the ropes again.

“Jump!”

I watched the ropes go round and round.

“Jump!”

I tried to see if I could sense when I should jump and logically figure out how I could fit between two ropes circling in opposite directions and not get it hit.

“I can’t do it.“

”Don’t think, just jump.“

Jump! Jump now!”

I jumped and I was in I was dancing on the sidewalk. I was in rhythm with the ropes and the magic.

I loved it.

Once I learned how to do it, I wanted to do it again and again.

I was so thankful that my great aunt taught me to double dutch and then I got a chance to connect more with my African-American culture.

Reflecting on the story now, the story seems like a metaphor of life. Sometimes you need to go away from home, away from your comfort zone and try new things. When you do, it may seem like obstacles are coming at you from every direction and you can’t logically figure out how you’re going to do it even if you really want to.

How will you make it work?

So you need to take a leap of faith and just jump. Keep jumping until you get your rhythm and then you start to love it. Then you’re in the flow. Then you experience the magic. Then you experience joy.

Thank you, Aunt Jessie, for teaching me how to double dutch. The small experience meant more than you’ll ever know.

I’m glad I got a chance to attend your memorial in Philadelphia this past weekend.

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