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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Milestones \\ Anniversaries

Fifty Years of Falling

On 4/15/2007

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Contributed by: paul herrick on 4/26/2007

Nostalgia---what a wonderful feeling.

I'm again sitting sideways in the front seat of an early 1940's Aeronca lightplane, boots hanging out the open doorway, remembering 50 years ago to the day.

But a few things are different this time. I'm over southern Florida instead of southern Canada. My body is heavier and achier this time. My mind is full of memories of 68 yearsof experiences instead of just 18. And after doing this over a thousand times, I know what it's going to feel like this time.

Back then it was all new to me. But to make it as nostalgic as possible, I have instructed the pilot (Randy Berry of Port St. Lucie) to give me the same jump commands that my pilot 50 years ago gave me.

As I guide him over my target I nod to him. "GET READY", he yells. I ease my body out the door, put my foot on the tiny step, left hand on the wing strut, and right hand on the door jamb. I look down and then nod to him again.

"RELAX" he screams. I let go and fall free. Something is different though. I know what it is----I've got my eyes open. Back then they were closed until I started looking for the ripcord. And, thankfully, the opening shock of my modern parachute is just a tug.

The WWII vintage chute I used back then knocked the snot out of me. And the same goes for the landing. All in all it was a great day.

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