Yesterday, Sept. 28, I experienced my first tandem jump. It was beyond awesome! I had been going to the Drop Zone off and on all summer. Just going to watch the skydivers, listen to cool music and be around fun loving people was satisfying to begin with, but after months of watching I got the itch to jump. A year ago I would never have thought that I would have done this, but watching how careful and safe the club is took away a good deal of my fear. I chose yesterday because it was the 22nd anniversary of the death of my brother. One of the bravest people I know. I wanted to take a sad day and make it a celebration of his life! I, also, have a son who is an Army Ranger who I have watched take many risks in his life. I wanted to honor both of these men in my life! My tandem instructor was Dan P. who I think God put right in my lap at the right moment. He took me under his wing from the moment we met and I can truly say I had very minimal fear. He talked me through all of the things I should expect to feel. He did a 10 point check of our gear and reassured me of how safe we were. He gave me directions on the way up that he said I would probably forget the moment I jumped out of the plane, but he said not to worry because he would be right there with me telling me what to do. He was right. I can never put into words what that moment felt like when we left the plane...it was a total mix of feelings, but Dan was right behind me giving me directions and helping me enjoy the experience, while also helping me feel amazingly safe! This will definitely not be my last jump! I highly recommend Start Skydiving and Dan P! He is the man!!! My tremendous thanks for a wonderful day!
