waltappel 1 #26 August 10, 2005 Quote ...for Now... Wise words, Rocky! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #27 August 10, 2005 Quote QuoteOK now.....back on topic My Aunt (well, one of many) came out to the DZ last Saturday and saw me jump. First actual relative to see me jump. There was dinner after the sunset load and the other DZ folk were very nice to her. She enjoyed the visit and I was happy how welcoming they were. I think that was the first time she saw ANYONE jump (or should I say land). Anyway, I'm sure it changed her perspective. ...for Now... Well, she told me to let her know when I'll be in the area again to jump so she could hopefully stop by. Good enough for me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #28 August 10, 2005 QuoteWell, she told me to let her know when I'll be in the area again to jump so she could hopefully stop by. Good enough for me! It does sound sweet, but I have a deep-rooted fear about that kind of thing. I am convinced that if someone's family comes out to the dropzone to watch them jump, it dramatically increases the chance of someone having a cutaway. Not necessarily the person whose family has come to watch, but someone will have a cutaway, and the family WILL see it. A similar thing happened to me years back when I was on staff at Bridge Day. At the time I was doing a log of rigging, including making BASE pilot chutes, bridles, and mesh sliders. I had a concession selling the PCs and sliders at Bridge Day and a really nice guy came up to talk with me about it. I asked him about his BASE experience level (0 BASE jumps) and his gear (skydiving rig; F-111 PD 9-cell). I sold him a 42" ZeroP pilot chute, a bridle, and an appropriately-sized mesh slider. Then I proceeded to setup his gear. That's when IT happened. His beautiful wife walked up. She had their small child with her. In a really sweet voice she said, "I am so grateful that he found someone who will keep him safe when he makes his first BASE jump. I was really worried. Thankyou so very much!" She was very sincere. I was very terrified. Oh my GAWD!!! Does she just realized that she has just jinxed this guy so bad that she has practically GUARANTEED his death?!!! Oh please, I don't want this guy to even get a scratch!! He seems like a great guy with a wonderful family! Please, oh please change your mind about making this BASE jump!!! That is the kind of thing that gives riggers and instructors grey hair and reason to drink. So the next day was Bridge Day. It was a bit cool, but an otherwise perfect day and I was jumpmastering at one of the exit points. Everything was going quite well. Then they showed up at my exit point. My stomach got so knotted up I thought I was going to puke! I gave him his final gear check, went through the exit procedure, had him look at the landing area, tell me his jump plan, and take a couple of deep breaths to get ready. "Ok, my man, you're ready!" His wife wanted to take pictures so I got her a spot on the rail right next to the exit. I was terrified as hell. "3-2-1 See Ya!!!!" He launched straight out instead of head-high and immediately started this slow-motion front-layout onto his back. My heart sank. My worst fear in life was coming true. It was happening right in front of my eyes and there was not one fucking thing I could do about it. "Oh, please! Let this guy live. I'll change my evil ways--I promise. I'll be a better person. Just let this guy come out of this jump ok!!" He tossed his pilot chute and it really did its job. It pulled that canopy right past his legs and he had a BEAUTIFUL opening, pretty much on heading. He did a great job flying and landing that canopy. His wife thanked me profusely and went to meet her husband. "Who, in their right fucking mind voluntarily does this shit?", I thought. But at the same time, was I ever relieved! My guy had survived the ultimate jinx. Later on, he showed up at my exit point and made another jump. I reviewed the exit procedure with him again and he did ok. As I recall, he landed it the water and that was his last jump of the day. If your family comes to the DZ, please be wary of "the jinx". Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #29 August 10, 2005 "Oh, please! Let this guy live. I'll change my evil ways--I promise. I'll be a better person. Just let this guy come out of this jump ok!!" *** So.....How's THAT workin' out for ya!?!?! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #30 August 10, 2005 Quote"Oh, please! Let this guy live. I'll change my evil ways--I promise. I'll be a better person. Just let this guy come out of this jump ok!!" *** So.....How's THAT workin' out for ya!?!?! It's not nice to ask questions like that! You know damn well how it worked out--it didn't! I made a total liar out of myself and will burn in Hell for it. The only comforting thought is that most, if not all, of my friends will be there, so it will be quite a party! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #31 August 10, 2005 The only comforting thought is that most, if not all, of my friends will be there.... *** I'll save ya a seat!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #32 August 10, 2005 QuoteThe only comforting thought is that most, if not all, of my friends will be there.... *** I'll save ya a seat!! Alright!!! I want to sit next to you cuz you're a funny guy! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #33 August 10, 2005 QuoteIt does sound sweet, but I have a deep-rooted fear about that kind of thing. I am convinced that if someone's family comes out to the dropzone to watch them jump, it dramatically increases the chance of someone having a cutaway. Not necessarily the person whose family has come to watch, but someone will have a cutaway, and the family WILL see it. -snip- My heart sank. My worst fear in life was coming true. It was happening right in front of my eyes and there was not one fucking thing I could do about it. -snip- "Who, in their right fucking mind voluntarily does this shit?", I thought. But at the same time, was I ever relieved! My guy had survived the ultimate jinx. -snip- If your family comes to the DZ, please be wary of "the jinx". Walt Walt that is not some silly superstition, it is now a scientifically proven fact. First time a reluctant family member watches someone they love jump = bad bad bad happenings.... Guess when I had my first cut away? Just guess? Yes, on my birthday jump, when my husband was standing on the 'X' with my rigger/coach/buddy standing next to him. Uh-huh, nice sprialing out of control on a big-ass rental set-up that was impossible to miss. I landed on my reserve. My husband couldn't stop shaking for about an hour. -It's all on video, but he won't ever watch it again. And after that, he told me to jump again, and do it quickly before the fear took over. Wise man. On another note, my mama strictly refuses to ever watch me jump EVER. She watched the video of my cut-away (I wanted to show her 'See? Even when stuff goes wrong I'll be ok!' ). This is why I will never nevr NEVER encourage her to come out and watch me. It's the jinx. I might break something the next time I let the jinx come into play!!! .~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #34 August 10, 2005 Thankyou!!! I had no doubt that someone would read my post and proceed to testify! It has happened to a bunch of people and is something to be feared. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rebecca 0 #35 August 10, 2005 QuoteThankyou!!! I had no doubt that someone would read my post and proceed to testify! It has happened to a bunch of people and is something to be feared. Walt I believe. Two of my best friends were waiting for me to land when I had my first out landing. They kept looking and looking... When I bought my only brother his tandem, I stayed on the ground... just in case. you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #36 August 10, 2005 How bout this: Dear family member, I dont need your understanding, validation, approval, or support to make it OK for me to live my life on my own terms. Love, Person __ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Knobee 0 #37 August 10, 2005 QuoteBut it's about more than that, Mom and Dad. It's about who I am; who you taught me to be. When I ran into that burning house and saved those babies, I did so because of the values you taught me. I'll never forget those values. After the hell that I went thru with my folks when I told them that I was actually going to continue on as a volunteer firefighter, there's no way in HELL that I'm going to tell them that I made 3 skydives. They learned of the first because they were keeping my kids for me at the time (and I couldn't wipe that silly-ass grin off my face). #2 and #3 are "our little secret". Those that have not jumped can not understand Those that have jumped can not explain. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #38 August 10, 2005 I don't feel ANY kind of need to explain why I do it. All I need is a clue as to how to tell them my wishes should my time come. Anyone got a clue for me there? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #39 August 10, 2005 I’m so glad you mentioned that “jinx” because I’ve always believed it, too: that bringing out reluctant (read: fearful and non-supportive) family members to watch you jump, so as to “reassure” them, is a virtual guarantee that some kinda shit’s gonna happen to bug their eyes out. “Oh, yeah, that went really well, didn’t it?” That’s why I never do it. I guess great minds think alike. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #40 August 10, 2005 I don't feel ANY kind of need to explain why I do it. All I need is a clue as to how to tell them my wishes should my time come. Anyone got a clue for me there? *** Do what I do... Have an "OH SHIT" envelope with all pertinent info and a letter about what to do and what is where... on the front in bold letters... "To be opened in case of my death" List bank accounts, insurance policies, who to notify, what to do with your trinkets and body....then put it where someone will easily find it 'in case' and forget about the negative stuff. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #41 August 10, 2005 QuoteI don't feel ANY kind of need to explain why I do it. All I need is a clue as to how to tell them my wishes should my time come. Anyone got a clue for me there? Some people have very tightly knit families where everyone is answerable to everyone else about everything they do. That's not so much the way it works in MOST American families, but things are quite different in some other cultures. There's another thing. Many people really want to please their parents and having their parents' approval makes them feel good. Nothing wrong with that. I've always been the "I'll do whatever the hell I want" kind of guy, but I have come to understand that not everyone thinks that way and that it does NOT make them weaker than me; they just think a little differently. Many married people consult with their spouse before doing anything. That's ok too. It's a bit frustrating at times to their single friends and often gets married guys accused of being "pussy whipped", but it's pretty common. BTW, is their a female equivalent for the concept of a guy being pussy whipped? Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #42 August 10, 2005 Now THAT is reassuring--NOT!!! Quite practical, though! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
