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Saturday, July 04, 2009

Lady Liberty Rocks!

Today we celebrate our freedom. Our Independence Day. Our Liberty and Justice.

We have many symbols of our patriotism; the flag, the colors of red, white, and blue, the American Eagle, and the Statue of Liberty.

I have only visited the Statue once. Pretty pathetic, as I live in New Jersey. Mr. Schmitty and I, back when we were dating, took a day to explore Ellis Island and the Statue.

I couldn't wait to climb up to the top of her crown. I wanted to proudly march up those 354 steps. I wanted to peer out from almost 300 feet in the air. And I wanted to look down and exclaim how the other tourists looked like ants.

My future husband? Not so much.

I knew he was afraid of heights. I just didn't realize the depth of his phobia. That is until we began our assent up the spiral stairs.

I, being the special girlfriend I was, took every opportunity to bust his balls. I laughed and joked, at his expense, as I continued on my upward journey.

After climbing approximately 50 steps, I turned to look at my boyfriend's face. I was about to offer up another wisecrack when I noticed the color of his skin. He was as white as a ghost. He looked like he was about to throw up or pass out. He knuckles were gripping the handrail so tightly that I thought he may snap it in two.

I felt like a complete jackass.

The Statue is engineered to withstand heavy winds, however, now that I know the extent of his fear, I can only surmise that this is how the whole ordeal felt to him:



I hope one day to make it into the crown. I hope my children will accompany me.

As for their father? We'll leave him home on solid ground.

10 comments:

Patois42 said...

At least you eased up on him, the future Mr. Schmitty.

ThatsBaloney said...

I think it's time to take your kids! I can visit via your pictures. :)

Krystal said...

I'm afraid of heights too. We have a two story house, and I get scared looking out the windows on that floor.

But I would proudly march up those steps! But I don't want to go any higher than that.


HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY SCHMITTY FAMILY!

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

Where did you find that video? That is hilarious!

Anyhow, my Hubby would be the same way and I've discovered recently that I also have a problems with heights so he and I may both end up clutching each other and begging someone to knock us out and help us down the stairs.

But, if you do get up there, get some photos for us scaredy cats

Laura Marchant said...

lol, I can only imagine. I climbed it once with my family when I was like 6. I only remember the sight of the stairs and nothing else, lol

Unknown said...

Love the video. My hubby is afraid of heights. When we were dating he didn't share this with me, and I took him on a hike up Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest. Its Waaaaayyy up high (but only 620 ft.). He did it, but was ashen colored looking over the rail over the water fall. I am not sure if he would be willing to climb up the Statue of Liberty. I gave up on asking him to go on a balloon ride when we go to New Mexico this summer. Bummer. :)

Derek said...

I had a similar experience about 3 years ago on a trip to the Outer Banks with my wife. I was determined to visit and climb every lighthouse possible. About half-way up the Hatteras lighthouse, my wife announced that she was done. I finally got her to the top though, and we documented the occasion with a photo. I have it on my desk and am looking at it right now.

Thanks for sparking a great memory.

meleah rebeccah said...

I hope you had a FABULOUS 4th of July!

Bonnie the Boss said...

I would love to go there too! where did you find that vid?

EE said...

That is my husband, too!!