Mar 9, 2004, 10:38 AM
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Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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A bit of a story... My grandmother has never done a skydive and has no association with skydiving at all, except perhaps for the simple pride that many doting grandparents have for their 'brave' grandsons and relatives that jump from aircraft. She's still in good health and expects to live a few more years.. but has already asked me if I can disperse her ashes over the DZ when the day comes.
She turned 92 years old this year. Originaly from Germany, she has lived through two world wars and has spent the last 60+ years of her life in Kenya and South Africa. It is her wish that her ashes be scattered "...high over Africa. Anywhere in African skies will do."
When I first read about ash release dives, it was my assumption that this tradition (if it is that) was more commonly carried out for people of significance in the skydiving community; people that had held a passion for skydiving for many years and had perhaps even made some significant achievements in the sport. Is this so ? ...or can anyone be scattered without 'tainting' a tradition ?
Of course, there are alternatives to an actual skydive. I could just release the ashes from a hot-air balloon, microlite or the door of a plane, but there may be some practical issues about ash blowing in inconvenient directions.
Mar 9, 2004, 11:50 AM
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Re: [metalslug] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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I think it's touching that she wants that, and even more touching that it's something you, uniquely in your family, can give her.
I can't imagine a reason why it wouldn't be appropriate -- not all people who have their ashes scattered in the mountains were acclaimed mountaineers, not all people who have their ashes scattered at sea are famed yachtsmen.
The only other thing is you can get her a tandem before then, too (my father made one at 85).
Mar 9, 2004, 5:43 PM
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Re: [metalslug] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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My Mom, born and raised in San Francisco, told me she wanted her ashes dumped from an "illegal" site thats pretty well watched being as its famous for suicides. Im doin it when the time comes. Thats what she wants, thats what she gets. I say go for it if thats what she wants and like Wendy suggested, if she's able, do a tandem.
Mar 9, 2004, 8:42 PM
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Re: [metalslug] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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Hey, we let anybody make a skydive! Seriously, don't worry, it's not a problem. But when the time comes (at some very distant time in the future) get some advice from someone with experience.
Mar 10, 2004, 2:08 AM
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Re: [metalslug] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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I like the idea of being packaged up in matchboxes and posted off for one last jump at every DZ I've been to.
Why the hell shouldn't your gran end up at 13k... just because she's taken there by skydivers doesnt mean she has to have been one.
slotperfect (D 13014)
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Mar 10, 2004, 2:59 AM
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Re: [metalslug] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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Your Grandmother definitely gets to have her wishes honored. She has made the request, there are no "rules" about who should or shouldn't, so go for it when the time comes.
Mar 15, 2004, 8:57 AM
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Re: [beowulf] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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It's even more moving when you see it in person. On a bright, crystal clear morning, the release will bring tears to your eyes even if you didn't know them.
Mar 15, 2004, 11:31 PM
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Re: [Jumpmunki] Who 'deserves' an ash release dive ?
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I second that wayne if i go do that for me over what ever pond you swoop first....... i think it sweet that she thinks that much of you to ask you to do it she must really love you.
if my other half asked me to do that id disobay the doctor and carry out his wish.
Seriously, don't worry, it's not a problem. But when the time comes (at some very distant time in the future) get some advice from someone with experience. 
JerryC.jpg
