Page 48 - Reflections_over_Akamas

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In a pivotal moment in 2014, I was
flying at 150 feet among the birds

in the August sky over Akamas, the
most breathtaking natural habitat
that Cyprus has to offer today. I felt

on top of the world until powerful
crosswinds shattered my confidence
and caused my parachute to cave

in. I plummeted to the ground like a
rock, my heart aching to spare my

daughter the pain of losing me.
I crashed like a bag of flesh and
bones, gasping for life. Partly by

intention and mostly by chance,
I was saved by a bush known as

"aoratos", meaning "invisible,"
which became both my saviour and
my captor. Trapped with thirty-one

fractures, I had to find a way to break
free and regain my independence.
While time may heal some wounds,

I believe that patience, perseverance,
and focused effort are what truly give
time its healing power. Reflecting on

my journey,

I greet the rising sun in 2024 with

the humility of a pilgrim, the tenacity
of an athlete, and the grateful smile
of a man who is alive.

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