Life's way too short to sweat the small stuff. I love the look on people's faces when I tell them something that I'm about to do or go and see beyond their realm of understanding. Some get it, some don't and that's ok; you live your life according to your own rules and as long as you don't hurt anyone it's pretty ok with me.
But sometimes I tell someone about something I've seen or about to do or have done and I see a flicker in their eyes, a need to know more, a need to go beyond the rim and see something someone else sees. There is understanding. Yearning to see the other side of things.
I try to be an ambassador for those things that people wouldn't normally see or do or be exposed to. Travel. Books. Ice skating. Motorcycles. Skydiving.
Ok I can see you pull back a bit. Whoa, that's a little too far out for me, a little too much over the edge, a little dangerous.
A little scary.
That's why I'm here, to give you a little insight into things, then you make the judgment as to whether it fits into your life.

Skydiving
Who hasn't seen a video or movie of someone falling through the air then gracefully pulling the ripcord and sailing, flying to the earth. Or plummet to their crashing death, screaming all the way. Well, there's movies, where it is an effect, and real life, where it is a sport, a hobby, a lifestyle, an obsession. I'm here to tell you the graceful soaring to earth is the reality. Don't be fooled by what you see on the screen. They've taken either your desire or your fear to make your heart race in the dark. It is more the stuff of dreams you had when you were a kid.
The ones that left you smiling and dizzy, full of potential.

Well, here it goes:

Went to a party, and in the course of wandering conversation, met a girl who'd done a few jumps. Nice. That Sunday morn I saw a two line blurb in the local paper about a skydive competition nearby the weekend next.  Called the number, got the info, no snottyness in the least bit. Just the opposite. Linda Florea, of the NSL (see below for phone & Email), was in fact totally helpful and totally cool. Another nice person to look forward to meeting. Went to another party; met some of the same people, invited them to come. One person who was a big time jumper was Craig, a carpenter. He said if I'd like, he'd take me through it all, show me around, introduce me to everyone. Sunday morning comes around and I drive to Skydive Sebastian. The first thing that struck me was the beauty and serenity of the place. Very laid back but very well laid out and tidy.
Now let me say that I judge a thing by the kind of people that do it.  Motorcycle racers and those involved in the sport from the Amateur to highest levels are some of the nicest people you ever wanted to meet. No pretensions, open, helpful but not above a little swagger. Confident. You can walk up to a top guy (make sure it's a good time, though) and just start talking. They're actually glad you're there to see them. How refreshing. Try that with any other major sport sometime.

These were the same kind of people. Said hello, smiled or nodded. I wandered around first and peeked everywhere.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was friendly, helpful, offering information, advice and a cheerful camaraderie. I felt immediately at home with it all.

In search of a little shade and a drink I spied a nice looking older couple and sat down to talk.
Arnie & Lil 
Arnie, 80, is a Pearl Harbor survivor who's jumped twice and shows a teenager's enthusiasm for it all. Retired now, he gives talks to school groups and such, offering a "I was there" perspective on one of history's, if not the 20th century's, greatest events. His sweet wife Lil's stroke has slowed things up a bit, but she's doing fine and planning their next jump.
As  the first jumpers were heading to the ground, he leapt up out of his seat to see them land. Commenting on each one, the light coming from his eyes and his perceptions were amazing. Having survived so much and having seen so much of life already, I can say that the man awed me with his inner strength and spark.
 
 

Before and after.

This is Craig, our unofficial rogue skydiver. I told him that I was going to check out the action. He volunteered to be my guide, show me around.

Craig is a rigger: certified to pack chutes. Usually knows lots about different kinds, also can pack for the person, in variables such as style and speed. He took me through how it all goes together.
 
 

So forget what you heard before and see things a different way,
from a different vantage point. You owe it to yourself to at least
once in your life soar.

Now for any information on any of this you can contact:

Linda Florea
National Skydiving League
(904) 740-9093
E-Mail

Skydive Sebastian