Jump

I've always wanted to jump out of an airplane... so I did! Last week ten of us, along with some witnesses & well-wishers, drove to Middletown to conquer our fears. My wife chose not to go and was hoping I'd choose the same. Not a chance.

You see, I have always believed my next experience might very well be the best experience of my life. Why not go for it? Skydiving has always intrigued me. What would it feel like to free fall at 120 mph? Would I freeze at the moment I was supposed to jump? With my 50th birthday just around the corner, I figured I had nothing to lose.

It wasn't anything like I expected. I chose to jump tandem, which meant I had an experienced skydiver strapped closer than I've ever let another man get to me. While I may have forgotten an important instruction -- "Rip cord... what rip cord?" -- I figured this fella had no interest in dying. I did ask if he had any enemies or was fighting with his girlfriend, but quickly determine he could be trusted.

From 2 miles up, we did a free fall for the first mile, then popped the shoot and drifted gently home. I expected that stomach-in-your-throat feeling you get when the elevator goes down too quickly. It wasn't like that it all. I had the sensation of flying. I never felt in danger because the ground was never that close. Eyes wide open, I took it all in with a great big smile on my face.

Like most things in my life, the anxious moments were the times leading up to the jump. As the plane kept gaining altitude, the doubts & fears rose too. Somehow looking around at the gang of lunatics jumping with me wasn't reassuring. The bravado just minutes before in the hanger below was replaced with quiet. As I leaned out of the open plane door, viewed the patchwork of farms below, and felt the cold, rushing wind, I could have easily worked myself into a panic. Instead, I jumped.

I learned a lot about myself that day. Mainly, I learned the worst part is usually waiting. That's when your doubts, fears and anxieties can get the best of you. So... jump. It just might be the ride of your life.