I have never sent so many ‘flare prayers’ as I have here: “God give me strength.” “God keep me alert,” as I worked the tag line. I was sore and blistered, but I was getting the hang of it. When you get the technique right, it’s not bad. But the first few times, it’s awful nerve-wracking as you’re sending a guy up into the sky and trying to control a rope that wants to fly out of your hands.

But Tuesday I was getting the hang of it.