Oct 29 2008
Why Didn’t I Ever Jump out of an Airplane?
Why Didn’t I Ever Jump out of an Airplane?
Yesterday I was heartbroken because I couldn’t qualify to be an astronaut due to vision requirements. I was only 13 when I had those dreams destroyed.
So, one would think that if I was so “hot” on flying and space travel, that I would be equally “hot” for skydiving or parachuting, right? I know that making qualifying jumps is a requirement for being a military pilot; one has to be able to survive an “incident” and be ready to eject. I once dreamed I would be catapulting off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, so why wasn’t I all hot to jump out of an airplane?
Opportunity comes and if you don’t grab it, you may never have another chance. I recall when I was offered the opportunity to learn to parachute, and free-fall skydive. A friend of mine was taking lessons and had joined the local military “club.” He offered to take me along and get me into “jumping.” I was tempted, but I chickened out at the idea. I was afraid I would “freeze up” at the last second and embarrass myself in front of my friend. That’s it. Plain and simple. I could say that I had family responsibilities, but now that sounds like I am “fudging” on my reasons. I was chicken.
I no longer have the “stomach” for taking chances. I no longer enjoy “risk.” Do I regret that I missed out on this “thrilling” experience? Sure, over the years I have wondered what it would have felt like to drop through the air at 100 plus miles per hour. But over the years I have felt regrets about many things I did and didn’t do. I am still chicken about the idea of jumping out of a plane. Had an opportunity two years ago to make a “tandem” jump with an instructor. Didn’t do it.
Yesterday: Why Didn’t I Become an Astronaut?
Tomorrow: Why Didn’t I Ever Get a Tattoo?
