Chelsea completed her exams for her BAC. She is confident that she did well, and we are proud of her. We asked her what she would like as a gift to mark this moment.
Chelsea's smile had a tinge of mischief and her eyes started to sparkle. I thought to myself this is not going to be a typical response, I better prepare myself. I sat down. She said she would like to parachute out of a plane. I looked at my feet and thought to myself that is what you get for marrying a wild Frenchman. That is what you get for raising independent children. That is what you get… no Coco Chanel, no little something wrapped in a pretty box, that you can hold in your hand, and wear for years to come. No, this is what you have… a free-spirited daughter. I could almost hear French husband licking his lips with glee.
Chelsea jumps out of a plane today.
My words of advice to her were this:
1) When they ask you how much you weigh this is time to add several pounds to the number. You want the straps to support more, not less.
2) Before you "buddy-jump," with the professional- ask him where the pull cord is. That way in case he should faint, or get a bug caught in his eye, or die, you know where to pull to have the parachute open up.
3) If you feel like throwing up lean your head to the side, otherwise it will come back on you.
4) Keep your eyes open and breath, feel your freedom!
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The little birds do fly away from the nest. I feel the fear of letting go… but instead, I hear myself say, "Fly little girl fly!"
Photo: The 18th-century painting depicts the drawstrings of a Priest's albs. I am pulling on them today.
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