Jump 1

11/17 Mini Sprint 20:00

I watched my husband prepare his parachute, carefully folding the silk so it fit neatly in the pack along with the many feet of cords. The next jump was a few minutes later. He re-zipped his jumpsuit and walked to the helicopter landing area after giving me a quick kiss on the cheek,

I settled down on the blanket next to our sons' pack-n play. Mike was sleeping soundly with a blanket sheltering him from the Texas sun. I took a long drink from my water bottle and watched as the next group of jumpers climbed into the helicopter. I considered the aspect of jumping and decided that this might be the activity we could share. I had tried to find something my husband and I could do together.

Even when we were in college we really didn't have anything in common. Now that he was stationed near his brother and we had a 9-month-old son, we needed something we could enjoy together. At least, that's what I thought. I didn't know his opinion on the matter. Maybe, if I, too, took up parachuting...

After the last jump of the day, I asked about taking the next class, so I could jump. The instructor was glad to have me. Pat was not particularly enthusiastic but agreed.

A few weeks later, I was the one packing my 'chute and zipping up my jumpsuit.

I realized as I waited for my turn to exit the helicopter that I would not have been able to do this if I had to hold on the an airplane strut. I just had to step out the door.