Am I falling, or flying?
Okay... so I know it happened a while ago, but it seems prudent that I should get down some words about my skydiving adventure.
It started on a Saturday or Sunday... my friend Sandra sent out a mass text to her friends, or those who she thought would be brave enough to participate, asking if we were interested in going skydiving. Amazingly enough, I had JUST made a facebook quiz... and one question asked which of the following would I NOT do. I put answers like: Ride a roller coaster, go bungee jumping, go skydiving, or I WOULD DO ANY OF THESE. The answer in all capitals was the correct-a-moondo one... so I felt that to support that assertion I had made days before, I couldn't let the integrity of the facebook quiz down... and I responded that I was interested.
Naturally, I needed to do more research. How much did it cost? Was I jumping in tandem with a professional skydiver? Was the place reputable... and after doing some research, watching some videos, and deciding that I didn't have any other friends that would ever be interested in doing something like this, I decided to say yes.
Of course, I talked to Tom about it, and he was not very happy. He didn't (and doesn't) understand why I would want to risk my life to experience something like that. No matter how much research I found on the relative safety of skydiving (some websites assert that the drive to go skydiving is more dangerous than skydiving itself)... nothing would convince him that I wasn't crazy. I asserted that I strongly feel that we are put on this planet for however many years, and we should experience as many things as we can while we are here. I rationalized my decision, to both Tom and myself, that it's an activity that is not new... people have been doing it almost as long as there have been planes flying in the air, and going to a reputable place was the best way to do it. Regardless, Tom never gave me his blessing to go forward, but I went anyway. My grandma later told me that I should be ashamed of myself.
So, we went skydiving on a Saturday. Our appointment was for 10 a.m. I took the bus to Sandra's house in the morning, and left the house around 7 in the morning. We left her house by 8, and traveled about 2 hours to Freefall adventures in southern New Jersey. Sandra's friends had organized the outing, and someone pulled out the week before, which is why she called me. Dawn, Sandra's girlfriend, drove us in her SUV that was pimped out with TV screens on the back of the seats.
We were the first ones to arrive at Freefall Adventures. It basically looked like a small airport. There were several planes, a runway, a small restaurant, pavilion, and a large hanger. We walked into the area where people were standing, and a spunky blonde asked us if we were skydiving, and she gave us the appropriate paperwork to fill out.
The paperwork was intense. The packet was at least 10 pages worth of legal jargon, not only requiring signatures and initials, but descriptions of my body, identifying marks, and the words "SKYDIVING IS DANGEROUS" "YOU ARE RISKING YOU LIFE" in several places. In fact, in one place it listed the statistics that 1/20,000 people die from skydiving. I thought those were pretty good odds, so I signed all the paperwork, and handed it to the spunky blonde.
By the time were were done filling out paperwork, the rest of our group had arrived. Sandra didn't know all of them, but we were all there to do the same thing. The spunky blonde asked us to break up into groups of 2-3 people that wanted to be in the same plane together, and I felt better that I was going to be with Dawn and Sandra going up into the air together.
After our paperwork was in, we were instructed to watch a 7 minute video that basically read the paperwork to us, reiterating that skydiving is dangerous and that we were in fact, risking our lives. The video did have a cool clip of the first George Bush skydiving at their site, so that was pretty nifty.
After we watched the non-instructional, not very informative video, we paid. I opted to get the video and picture package. I thought that this was really going to be a one-time thing for me. I absolutely couldn't make Tom worry about me so much another time... so I figured that I get the video to prove that I did it, and so I could remember it when I'm old and senile. Also, I told my students that I was going to do it, and I wanted to prove to them that their teacher was in fact cool enough to skydive.
By the time we paid, we realized that we were going to wait. There was a low cloud cover, and even though it was sunny outside, they wouldn't let people jump from planes without a higher cloud ceiling.
So we waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The spunky blonde eventually came over to us, and said that if the clouds didn't break up, they would just cancel the day, but we could get our money refunded. If the cloud cover lifted, the situation was still grim. Even though we were scheduled to fly at 10, everyone that came before us got to go first.
I can't remember the time, but we decided that we would wait for one more hour, and if it still didn't break up, we would get our money refunded and go home. After the realization that I was actually going to do it, I was nervous, and thought to myself that it wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to go home without skydiving.
Of course, you know the end of the story, and the clouds broke up, and they started to call groups of people over the loudspeaker to put equipment on and prepare to fly. Energy rose through everyone who was waiting. The weather was clearing and we were going to jump from a plane.
Everyone who was waiting to jump was so different. There was everything from frat boys and sorority girls, families of parents and their children, to a a father with young babies (and a wife that was not jumping), to men and women who must have at least been in their 60s. Everyone watched them pile into the plane, the "professional" jumpers who were video and taking pictures were interviewing the first fly skydivers, and everyone was excited.
There were three planes that went up in the air. Two of them had a large door in the side that was about the width of a wingspan and the height of a four year old child. The other plane was called "the bus" and had a large opening in the back where people boarded and of course jumped out. On the bus, the width was probably about the same, but you could easily stand up walking onto the plane.
It must have been about 15 minutes between the plane went off and we started seeing little tiny drops of parachutes come from the sky. At one time we saw about 16 chutes floating in the air. The majority of people on a Saturday were skydiving tandem with instructors who were trained, but those people went out of the plane last. The order went: people going solo, people going with an instructor at their side, and people jumping tandem. So, the first parachutes we saw were those single jumpers. The way the wind was blowing, when they landed, they would fly right over us, and zoom into the ground. I should mention that while a parachute significantly slows your fall, you still fall relatively fast.
After the first divers had landed, everything seemed to go in fast motion. People were getting called left and right, and before long, we were asked to come in the hanger.
The hanger was a place only for people who were skydiving. Freefall Adventures is the largest flyzone on the East Coast, and the hanger was a pretty busy place on a Saturday. Hundreds of people had lockers with parachuting equipment inside. On the floor, those solo jumpers who had already jumped were packing up their chutes for the next jump. There were second hand couches everywhere with people lounging around. Facing one couch was a large screen TV where you could watch the videos from people who had already jumped... which definitely made me pumped to jump myself. I should mention that after I saw dozens of people fall safely onto the ground, I felt that I was going to be okay. The spunky girl that was directing traffic told us that the only people that ever get into accidents are solo jumpers who are trying new things or goofing around. The worst injury on a tandem jump she'd ever seen was a broken ankle.
Our group was gathered together in the back of the hanger... it was time for our lesson. The guy that was giving us the lesson was probably about 20, and looked frazzled because he was rushing to get everyone in the air after a morning where no one jumped. He explained the equipment that we were using, which basically consisted of goggles and and altimeter that measured our altitude. We were told at 5000 feet, we were to pull the cord on our chute. Pretty much that was the only thing we had to remember, and our instructor would remind us if we forgot. He also explained a little more in detail the process of jumping... the times and altitudes. I got a pair of white goggles that fit snugly over my glasses. Halfway through the talk, my instructor, Range, came in and I was introduced to him. He introduced himself in a snarky, sarcastic, but funny way... and left so we could finish our lesson.
We were told the most complicated thing would be the landing. To land we had to keep our feet together as close as possible and listen to our instructor's instructions. Simple enough. To prove that we were paying attention, we were asked to get on top of a table and do a 'practice run.' The guy went through all of the stages... oh... I forgot about the stance. We had to remember that, too. To get the most wind resistance during our freefall, we had to fall in this S position. You've seen it on TV. You fall belly side down with your arms outstretched, and knees bent behind you. We had to practice this on the table. So, all of us lied belly up on the table, demonstrated that we understood the falling position, and practiced pulling the fake cord. Then, we were instructed to stand on top of the table, and land with our feet as close together as possible.
Immediately after our brief lesson we were whisked onto the smiley face just outside the hanger. One of the people in our group asked that we pray, and I thought it was a good idea. He spoke some good words, and it did set my mind at ease for what I was about to do.
While on the smiley face I was introduced to my videographer and photographer (it was the same person). I can't remember his name, but he was goofy and I thought that I was going to get what I paid for. His goofiness was an interesting contrast to my stoic, sarcastic, German instructor, Range.
Range is the guy who was on my back when I fell through the sky, my instructor. Range wore the parachute in our short-lived relationship. He had a cool German accent, and was funny, but serious when necessary. He was experienced, jumping out of a plane almost 5000 times... so I felt secure with this guy.
After our prayer, we were all led to the pavilion for the people about to board the plane. Our plane was one that had the opening in the side, which meant that we were going to have to do a lot of squatting inside.
We were packed inside like sardines. Of course, there were no seats in the plane. We were instructed to sit on the floor and lean back into the person behind us, and keep our legs open so that the next person could sit in front of us. After quickly being packed in, we took off, with the side door still opened. After we got up in the air, the solo jumpers who were the first to jump out closed the door. The plane was noisy, and the closing of the door quelled the noise a little.
On the ride up, the butterflies in my stomach really started to fly. The plane went to an altitude of 12,000 feet, more than 2 miles in the air. It was a quick ride up. Throughout the ride the video guy took some video of me, and Range attached me to him securely. He explained that the most difficult thing would be standing up when we got out of the plane. I asked if he had a family, and he said, of course... everyone has to come from somewhere. I told him that my husband was not happy that I was jumping... and he told me that at first, his mother was not happy with his vocation, but she got used to it.
All-to-quickly it was clear the plane had leveled out and the solo jumpers opened up the side door. The air outside was freezing cold... I wish I'd brought I sweatshirt, but I opted for a sleeveless new shirt. Like it was something they do every day, the people in the front of the plane smiled and rolled out. At this point, I thought there was really no backing out now. I was in the center of the plane, so people went out before and after me. I wasn't first but wasn't last, and I liked this position.
My camera guy went out of the plane first, and leaned back on a bar on the plane to capture my picture as I went out of the plane. With Range on my back, there was no choice but to go forward. I've talked to people since who did their first jump solo, and I'm so glad I didn't. Range ripped off the bandaid for me.
Going out of the plane we flipped over once before we leveled out on our bellies. Jumping out of a plane, there is just a wooosh of air in your ears. I couldn't talk to my instructor and my instructor couldn't talk to me. Of course, I didn't exactly remember the way to arch my back and arms right away, but Range, used to poor students like me, helped me out and locked his legs around mine and put my arms out to fly. I didn't have any trouble breathing... and it was an amazing view. It was like a live version of Google Earth. We were above the clouds, but there was no security of an airplane.
I remember feeling my skin move on my cheeks and arms. I wish I were more muscular, but I think most people's skin would probably look like mine going at that speed. Amazingly, when in mid-air, my camera man caught up to us and started snapping photos and taking video of my freefall. It was nice to have him as somewhat of a distraction. I made faces at him, and grabbed his feet and before long Range made me look at my altimeter, and notice it was 5000 feet. Time to pull the chute. We fell for about one minute, and covered 7000 feet.
The chute coming out was an extreme jolt. The harness that was holding me onto the chute, and onto Range pinched my thighs and my armpits. It was really a bad idea to wear a sleeveless shirt because the harness pinched my skin. Of course, I was happy when I felt Range's chute deploy, but it was also very jolting.
We flew in the air for about 7 minutes, and like I said before, it was a quick ride down. At this point, we were all alone... no camera man videoing us.
The scenery was beautiful, of course. Range pointed out Atlantic City and Philadelphia, but I remember that I just smiled and nodded and didn't really see what he was pointing out. I also saw the landing space where were going to land. Some people in my group got to steer the chute, but I did not. I think Range could sense my nerves. It was during this time that I thought to myself that once was enough. I definitely did not have to try that again.
Our landing was quick and relatively smooth. I did fall forward, but it was a gentle stumble. Somehow, my camera guy was waiting for me when we landed with a smile on his face. I really did feel like a celebrity for a day. Generally, there was just an overall exciting mood. I saw my friend Sandra on the ground and we threw our arms around each other. Sandra was relieved when she saw Dawn safely land as well.
We were quickly led off the landing area, providing more space for incoming skydivers. It was an amazing moment of adrenaline.
We all compared experiences. Sandra and Dawn both had trouble breathing in the air, which I guess is quite common. Dawn, illegally, had a camera with her that she planned to pull out and snap some shots with, but in the thrill of the moment decided not to break the rules and pull it out. I guess the important part is that we all landed safely, and all were satisfied with our decision to jump.
The rest of the afternoon was just about winding down. We hung out on the couches, waiting for our videos and pictures to be ready. We all watched ourselves on the big screen before we left. I made sure to call my mom and Tom and inform them of my safety. I had jumped out of plane and survived.
I don't regret jumping at all, which is an easy statement to make in hindsight. I feel it's one of those landmark experiences that I can talk about for the rest of my life. It caused Tom and I to have honest, open, discussions about our feelings, and I'm confident now that even if we don't agree on something, there's a way to find common ground to discuss things. I'm happy that I followed my desires and went through with it.
I flew through the sky and survived.
It started on a Saturday or Sunday... my friend Sandra sent out a mass text to her friends, or those who she thought would be brave enough to participate, asking if we were interested in going skydiving. Amazingly enough, I had JUST made a facebook quiz... and one question asked which of the following would I NOT do. I put answers like: Ride a roller coaster, go bungee jumping, go skydiving, or I WOULD DO ANY OF THESE. The answer in all capitals was the correct-a-moondo one... so I felt that to support that assertion I had made days before, I couldn't let the integrity of the facebook quiz down... and I responded that I was interested.
Naturally, I needed to do more research. How much did it cost? Was I jumping in tandem with a professional skydiver? Was the place reputable... and after doing some research, watching some videos, and deciding that I didn't have any other friends that would ever be interested in doing something like this, I decided to say yes.
Of course, I talked to Tom about it, and he was not very happy. He didn't (and doesn't) understand why I would want to risk my life to experience something like that. No matter how much research I found on the relative safety of skydiving (some websites assert that the drive to go skydiving is more dangerous than skydiving itself)... nothing would convince him that I wasn't crazy. I asserted that I strongly feel that we are put on this planet for however many years, and we should experience as many things as we can while we are here. I rationalized my decision, to both Tom and myself, that it's an activity that is not new... people have been doing it almost as long as there have been planes flying in the air, and going to a reputable place was the best way to do it. Regardless, Tom never gave me his blessing to go forward, but I went anyway. My grandma later told me that I should be ashamed of myself.
So, we went skydiving on a Saturday. Our appointment was for 10 a.m. I took the bus to Sandra's house in the morning, and left the house around 7 in the morning. We left her house by 8, and traveled about 2 hours to Freefall adventures in southern New Jersey. Sandra's friends had organized the outing, and someone pulled out the week before, which is why she called me. Dawn, Sandra's girlfriend, drove us in her SUV that was pimped out with TV screens on the back of the seats.
We were the first ones to arrive at Freefall Adventures. It basically looked like a small airport. There were several planes, a runway, a small restaurant, pavilion, and a large hanger. We walked into the area where people were standing, and a spunky blonde asked us if we were skydiving, and she gave us the appropriate paperwork to fill out.
The paperwork was intense. The packet was at least 10 pages worth of legal jargon, not only requiring signatures and initials, but descriptions of my body, identifying marks, and the words "SKYDIVING IS DANGEROUS" "YOU ARE RISKING YOU LIFE" in several places. In fact, in one place it listed the statistics that 1/20,000 people die from skydiving. I thought those were pretty good odds, so I signed all the paperwork, and handed it to the spunky blonde.
By the time were were done filling out paperwork, the rest of our group had arrived. Sandra didn't know all of them, but we were all there to do the same thing. The spunky blonde asked us to break up into groups of 2-3 people that wanted to be in the same plane together, and I felt better that I was going to be with Dawn and Sandra going up into the air together.
After our paperwork was in, we were instructed to watch a 7 minute video that basically read the paperwork to us, reiterating that skydiving is dangerous and that we were in fact, risking our lives. The video did have a cool clip of the first George Bush skydiving at their site, so that was pretty nifty.
After we watched the non-instructional, not very informative video, we paid. I opted to get the video and picture package. I thought that this was really going to be a one-time thing for me. I absolutely couldn't make Tom worry about me so much another time... so I figured that I get the video to prove that I did it, and so I could remember it when I'm old and senile. Also, I told my students that I was going to do it, and I wanted to prove to them that their teacher was in fact cool enough to skydive.
By the time we paid, we realized that we were going to wait. There was a low cloud cover, and even though it was sunny outside, they wouldn't let people jump from planes without a higher cloud ceiling.
So we waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The spunky blonde eventually came over to us, and said that if the clouds didn't break up, they would just cancel the day, but we could get our money refunded. If the cloud cover lifted, the situation was still grim. Even though we were scheduled to fly at 10, everyone that came before us got to go first.
I can't remember the time, but we decided that we would wait for one more hour, and if it still didn't break up, we would get our money refunded and go home. After the realization that I was actually going to do it, I was nervous, and thought to myself that it wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to go home without skydiving.
Of course, you know the end of the story, and the clouds broke up, and they started to call groups of people over the loudspeaker to put equipment on and prepare to fly. Energy rose through everyone who was waiting. The weather was clearing and we were going to jump from a plane.
Everyone who was waiting to jump was so different. There was everything from frat boys and sorority girls, families of parents and their children, to a a father with young babies (and a wife that was not jumping), to men and women who must have at least been in their 60s. Everyone watched them pile into the plane, the "professional" jumpers who were video and taking pictures were interviewing the first fly skydivers, and everyone was excited.
There were three planes that went up in the air. Two of them had a large door in the side that was about the width of a wingspan and the height of a four year old child. The other plane was called "the bus" and had a large opening in the back where people boarded and of course jumped out. On the bus, the width was probably about the same, but you could easily stand up walking onto the plane.
It must have been about 15 minutes between the plane went off and we started seeing little tiny drops of parachutes come from the sky. At one time we saw about 16 chutes floating in the air. The majority of people on a Saturday were skydiving tandem with instructors who were trained, but those people went out of the plane last. The order went: people going solo, people going with an instructor at their side, and people jumping tandem. So, the first parachutes we saw were those single jumpers. The way the wind was blowing, when they landed, they would fly right over us, and zoom into the ground. I should mention that while a parachute significantly slows your fall, you still fall relatively fast.
After the first divers had landed, everything seemed to go in fast motion. People were getting called left and right, and before long, we were asked to come in the hanger.
The hanger was a place only for people who were skydiving. Freefall Adventures is the largest flyzone on the East Coast, and the hanger was a pretty busy place on a Saturday. Hundreds of people had lockers with parachuting equipment inside. On the floor, those solo jumpers who had already jumped were packing up their chutes for the next jump. There were second hand couches everywhere with people lounging around. Facing one couch was a large screen TV where you could watch the videos from people who had already jumped... which definitely made me pumped to jump myself. I should mention that after I saw dozens of people fall safely onto the ground, I felt that I was going to be okay. The spunky girl that was directing traffic told us that the only people that ever get into accidents are solo jumpers who are trying new things or goofing around. The worst injury on a tandem jump she'd ever seen was a broken ankle.
Our group was gathered together in the back of the hanger... it was time for our lesson. The guy that was giving us the lesson was probably about 20, and looked frazzled because he was rushing to get everyone in the air after a morning where no one jumped. He explained the equipment that we were using, which basically consisted of goggles and and altimeter that measured our altitude. We were told at 5000 feet, we were to pull the cord on our chute. Pretty much that was the only thing we had to remember, and our instructor would remind us if we forgot. He also explained a little more in detail the process of jumping... the times and altitudes. I got a pair of white goggles that fit snugly over my glasses. Halfway through the talk, my instructor, Range, came in and I was introduced to him. He introduced himself in a snarky, sarcastic, but funny way... and left so we could finish our lesson.
We were told the most complicated thing would be the landing. To land we had to keep our feet together as close as possible and listen to our instructor's instructions. Simple enough. To prove that we were paying attention, we were asked to get on top of a table and do a 'practice run.' The guy went through all of the stages... oh... I forgot about the stance. We had to remember that, too. To get the most wind resistance during our freefall, we had to fall in this S position. You've seen it on TV. You fall belly side down with your arms outstretched, and knees bent behind you. We had to practice this on the table. So, all of us lied belly up on the table, demonstrated that we understood the falling position, and practiced pulling the fake cord. Then, we were instructed to stand on top of the table, and land with our feet as close together as possible.
Immediately after our brief lesson we were whisked onto the smiley face just outside the hanger. One of the people in our group asked that we pray, and I thought it was a good idea. He spoke some good words, and it did set my mind at ease for what I was about to do.
While on the smiley face I was introduced to my videographer and photographer (it was the same person). I can't remember his name, but he was goofy and I thought that I was going to get what I paid for. His goofiness was an interesting contrast to my stoic, sarcastic, German instructor, Range.
Range is the guy who was on my back when I fell through the sky, my instructor. Range wore the parachute in our short-lived relationship. He had a cool German accent, and was funny, but serious when necessary. He was experienced, jumping out of a plane almost 5000 times... so I felt secure with this guy.
After our prayer, we were all led to the pavilion for the people about to board the plane. Our plane was one that had the opening in the side, which meant that we were going to have to do a lot of squatting inside.
We were packed inside like sardines. Of course, there were no seats in the plane. We were instructed to sit on the floor and lean back into the person behind us, and keep our legs open so that the next person could sit in front of us. After quickly being packed in, we took off, with the side door still opened. After we got up in the air, the solo jumpers who were the first to jump out closed the door. The plane was noisy, and the closing of the door quelled the noise a little.
On the ride up, the butterflies in my stomach really started to fly. The plane went to an altitude of 12,000 feet, more than 2 miles in the air. It was a quick ride up. Throughout the ride the video guy took some video of me, and Range attached me to him securely. He explained that the most difficult thing would be standing up when we got out of the plane. I asked if he had a family, and he said, of course... everyone has to come from somewhere. I told him that my husband was not happy that I was jumping... and he told me that at first, his mother was not happy with his vocation, but she got used to it.
All-to-quickly it was clear the plane had leveled out and the solo jumpers opened up the side door. The air outside was freezing cold... I wish I'd brought I sweatshirt, but I opted for a sleeveless new shirt. Like it was something they do every day, the people in the front of the plane smiled and rolled out. At this point, I thought there was really no backing out now. I was in the center of the plane, so people went out before and after me. I wasn't first but wasn't last, and I liked this position.
My camera guy went out of the plane first, and leaned back on a bar on the plane to capture my picture as I went out of the plane. With Range on my back, there was no choice but to go forward. I've talked to people since who did their first jump solo, and I'm so glad I didn't. Range ripped off the bandaid for me.
Going out of the plane we flipped over once before we leveled out on our bellies. Jumping out of a plane, there is just a wooosh of air in your ears. I couldn't talk to my instructor and my instructor couldn't talk to me. Of course, I didn't exactly remember the way to arch my back and arms right away, but Range, used to poor students like me, helped me out and locked his legs around mine and put my arms out to fly. I didn't have any trouble breathing... and it was an amazing view. It was like a live version of Google Earth. We were above the clouds, but there was no security of an airplane.
I remember feeling my skin move on my cheeks and arms. I wish I were more muscular, but I think most people's skin would probably look like mine going at that speed. Amazingly, when in mid-air, my camera man caught up to us and started snapping photos and taking video of my freefall. It was nice to have him as somewhat of a distraction. I made faces at him, and grabbed his feet and before long Range made me look at my altimeter, and notice it was 5000 feet. Time to pull the chute. We fell for about one minute, and covered 7000 feet.
The chute coming out was an extreme jolt. The harness that was holding me onto the chute, and onto Range pinched my thighs and my armpits. It was really a bad idea to wear a sleeveless shirt because the harness pinched my skin. Of course, I was happy when I felt Range's chute deploy, but it was also very jolting.
We flew in the air for about 7 minutes, and like I said before, it was a quick ride down. At this point, we were all alone... no camera man videoing us.
The scenery was beautiful, of course. Range pointed out Atlantic City and Philadelphia, but I remember that I just smiled and nodded and didn't really see what he was pointing out. I also saw the landing space where were going to land. Some people in my group got to steer the chute, but I did not. I think Range could sense my nerves. It was during this time that I thought to myself that once was enough. I definitely did not have to try that again.
Our landing was quick and relatively smooth. I did fall forward, but it was a gentle stumble. Somehow, my camera guy was waiting for me when we landed with a smile on his face. I really did feel like a celebrity for a day. Generally, there was just an overall exciting mood. I saw my friend Sandra on the ground and we threw our arms around each other. Sandra was relieved when she saw Dawn safely land as well.
We were quickly led off the landing area, providing more space for incoming skydivers. It was an amazing moment of adrenaline.
We all compared experiences. Sandra and Dawn both had trouble breathing in the air, which I guess is quite common. Dawn, illegally, had a camera with her that she planned to pull out and snap some shots with, but in the thrill of the moment decided not to break the rules and pull it out. I guess the important part is that we all landed safely, and all were satisfied with our decision to jump.
The rest of the afternoon was just about winding down. We hung out on the couches, waiting for our videos and pictures to be ready. We all watched ourselves on the big screen before we left. I made sure to call my mom and Tom and inform them of my safety. I had jumped out of plane and survived.
I don't regret jumping at all, which is an easy statement to make in hindsight. I feel it's one of those landmark experiences that I can talk about for the rest of my life. It caused Tom and I to have honest, open, discussions about our feelings, and I'm confident now that even if we don't agree on something, there's a way to find common ground to discuss things. I'm happy that I followed my desires and went through with it.
I flew through the sky and survived.