Leap of Faith: I went Skydiving 1 Year after Hot Air Balloon Accident

🎧 👉 Prefer audio? You can also listen to me share about this in podcast episode #015 here.

Today, I am sharing a special memory connected to overcoming fears and trauma. I went skydiving with my husband Don when we were dating in 1995, barely a year after my family’s tragic hot air balloon accident. That may sound crazy, and yet it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done.

I’ve kept journals sporadically throughout my life, and just a few days ago, I happened across an entry I wrote right after we jumped out of the plane. You can read it below, or you can listen to me read it for the first time in 27 years, plus hear me share some additional story snippets.

Here’s the entry from my journal:

September 26, 1995

This weekend I challenged myself—I guess that's one way to put it.

I went with Don, and some of his Fraternity brothers and other people from school to Toledo, WA, where we went thru a 6 hr training session then skydived—static line—from 4000 ft. high in the sky.

I took my camera, not sure if I would jump—but by the end of the training, I wanted to. I felt comfortable with the idea and my control of the situation and did it.

I went up with Don and Keith, and I jumped 1st. I was calm when entering the plane, flying into position, and looking out the window.

Don looked back at me a couple of times, checking on me, winking. I told him, "I'm OK," because I truly was.

The jumpmaster then opened the door, and I got into position. I put my feet out on the platform, held on to the sides of the doorway, then grabbed the wing bar.

The wind was very strong, so I focused on my grip and worked my way out to the edge where my feet were flying behind me.

I looked at the jumpmaster, and he asked me how I felt. I responded, like we were trained, with "Arched" (the body position) and let go. 

I apparently had a huge smile on my face. I counted. Then looked up at my parachute opening. The lines were twisted—a common occurrence—I straightened them out, then coasted down. 

The jumpmaster on the ground talked me down and led me to do some spiral turns in the air. 

The view was breathtaking and very serene.

I remember smiling the whole way down—feeling at peace—very calm—soaring through the air like a bird.

I almost walked out of the landing but tipped over softly.

Soon after me, Don came down, and I went over to him, still smiling.

It was an incredible experience to share with him.

I had no regrets.

I had made the decision on my own to jump.

Don had even tested me beforehand, saying that he didn't want me to go. I looked at him puzzled, then told him that I wanted to go. He smirked and said, "Good!"

I feel like I've gained a little more peace with myself.

It's so confusing and frustrating to try to decide when, where, and how to take risks.

Many things in life are dangerous and full of risk. Freak accidents occur, but there are also plenty of accidents that could have been avoided or prevented. 

So, I guess we have to play along and trust ourselves to know when to play our cards, hold a hand, bluff, or choose another card.

What You’ll Learn:

- How I initially went along for the ride, not intending to jump
- Why I decided to jump out of a plane by myself
- How I felt as I climbed out to the plane’s wing arm and let go
- My parents’ reaction when they found out

I wanted to share this story to show what's possible. I hope that it will give you a little drop of courage to help you overcome a piece of your past in some way.

“Let this be the day you leap into the life you’re meant to live. Ready, Set, Fly!” 

– Anonymous

🎧 👉 Prefer audio? You can also listen to me share about this in podcast episode #015 here.