WOW! I DID IT! I am an official Skydiver – I jumped out of an airplane at 12,500 feet!
I know that many of you are wondering how did this idea of me wanting to jump out of a plane came about. The truth of the matter is that I have wanted to do this for a long time, however it has been the past three years that I have seriously wanted to do it. The big push was when my son Joshua decided that he was going skydiving with his friend. We were here in Southern California and he asked us to come and watch them. While we were there watching them get ready for their experience, I got caught up in the excitement of it all, and said that I would like to do it too.
However I felt that it wasn’t the right time for me as I was dealing with two very ill parents and was distracted with all that that entailed. I told them that I wanted a clear head in order to really enjoy the experience. My other son Jonathan and my daughter-in-law Liz also went skydiving at another time, but Steve and are were then back in England so did not get to watch them. They all raved about the incredible experience that they had but totally understood that I needed to wait for another visit to do it. The next two visits were even harder for me as my parents’ conditions deteriorated and then they both passed away.
Fast forward nine months and we were now back in Southern California for our holiday visit with our family and friends. A lot has happened in that nine months and I was finally feeling ready to skydive. I called Joshua to tell him that I was ready to skydive.
He waited until we arrived and I asked him to make plans for my big event. He told me that his girlfriend Lupe had decided that she was also ready to skydive. Joshua called up to make reservations for both of us. Now there was a date – Saturday, December 6th, 2014 – a commitment. This made it feel real as we were that much closer to it really happening.
We were busy during those few weeks before “The Jump” so there was not much time to think about it. Then a few days before the big day I began to ask myself, “Am I doing the right thing?” The “What-If’s” started to appear. What if It does something to affect my health, what if I land wrong and I hurt my back or ankles, etc. I asked myself, “What would I regret more – not jumping and always wondering what it would have been like OR being upset that I hurt myself or caused damage to my body?” After much deep thought and prayer, the answer came to me that it was the right time in my life to do this. A sense of calmness and peace came over me as I realized that it was going to be an amazingly incredible experience that I would remember for the rest of my life.
That calm and peaceful feeling stayed with me, as did the healthy adrenaline rush throughout the process. From getting suited up, directions from my instructor, boarding the plane, the plane ride up to 12,500 feet. Then the plastic door opening and my instructor and I moving towards the large opening, standing on the edge ready to jump and finally taking the leap out of the plane into the open sky.
I felt No Fear, No Hesitation at all, just pure elation, excitement and awesomeness. I truly “Enjoyed the Ride” and was in the moment. Even after my feet touched the ground, it was a surreal feeling. After it all sank in what I had done – that “I Did It” – I felt a sense of accomplishment. I realized the courage it took and how brave I was and I was proud of myself for “Just Doing It”.
I wanted to walk the walk and talk the talk of telling others that they need to live their lives to the fullest and say yes to all of the opportunities that come their way.
I always want to be an inspiration to others and I hope by me taking this big step (12,500 ft in the air) it will inspire others to do the same – whatever that means to them in their lives. It has helped me overcome fears and the what-if’s. There is no holding me back now! I still have a number of things on my “Bucket List” that may put some of you over the edge so stayed tuned.
When opportunities come your way, say “Yes”. Try to live outside of your comfort zone at least once in a while. See what it’s like to live on the edge, and you may be pleasantly surprised at how good it feels and the sense of accomplishment you’ll have. Just think about how many people you may inspire to live their dreams along the way. What better gift can you give someone?
A big “Thank you” to my wonderful husband Steve, my sons Jonathan and Joshua, my daughter-in-law Liz and Lupe for their support, encouragement, love, being there for me always, and being an inspiration in my life. I love you guys as much as life itself!!
