freefallfreak 0 #76 June 6, 2001 Quote I don't. But I hope I someday will. Thanks for posting. DITTO - from the deepest depths of my heart...FFF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jim9078 0 #77 February 28, 2005 Tony, et al... After the accident I chose not to read or post to this forum. Many of the people here I know, many know me as well. Now, almost four years later, I am sure you Tony still have the same trouble I do in keeping this terrible accident far out of your mind and heart. That said..we are still here and we have gone on. I love you dearly. To those that posted to this thread, I was Michele's significant other. I was directly behind her on exit, Tony behind me. He was able to do what I could not in getting to her thanks to his camera suit. Tony will always be a huge hero. Not of choice, but of instinct and circumstance. I am thankful every day for his selflessness. It is interesting in retrospect to read the posts. The speculation, the rumors as some heard them, the fact as some knew them. It is a moment in time that for most passed into distant memory. For some; her children Melissa, Andrea and her son also named Tony, her family, me, Tony... . She is missed every day. Over the years I have had numerous requests to tell people what really happened. My response has been always the same. This was an accident that manifested God's call home for Michele. Nobody could have imagined such a bizarre scenario as this. The lesson here, as I choose to understand it, is this: When it is time to go, it is just your time. "Live like you were Dying" is a great song that communicates this sentiment. Know that in a split second live can be changed forever. In this case Michele and I kissed, put our helmets on, and less than 30 seconds later she was gone from this life forever. Tell people you love them, do it NOW, have no regrets and remember the good things. To all who posted condolences and kind words. Thank you. It shows that this family is bound together at the heart for all of us who have chosen to touch the wind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brits17 0 #78 February 28, 2005 Wow jim, thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #79 February 28, 2005 Wow,didn't expect to be reading this this morning.Jim,you are right,it is easier for some to go on after something like this.I know you and Tony had the unfortunate experience of seeing Mechele after the accident and no one should ever have to go through that.You post brought back many memories to me.This incident along with some other stuff tore our dropzone family apart and changed my home dz forever.I sit here thinking about all the people who have come and gone.Changes in interest,injuries and death,people will move through your life.Sometimes with a speed that you might not be prepared for.I use to try to keep up with all of these people but realized one day that it was impossible.All you can do is enjoy people while they are part of your life and try to let them know what they mean to you.A dear friend of mine has just moved away and I hope we will stay in touch for years to come but if we don't all I can hope is she knows how much i cared for here and that she will be missed. Having said all that it's time to talk about your other post Jim.What the hell do you mean you aren't coming to Dublin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #80 February 28, 2005 Quote I'm not sure where to start on this...I pulled Michele's reserve. There are some that know who I am, most don't. In this case it didn't save a life, but mabey it could have. Remember that if you see one of our own in trouble in freefall. I have had the pleasure of meeting Michele's friends at Skydive Atlanta and they are what skydiving is all about. We play in a dangerous sport and too often the price is too high, we MUST look out for one another. To all of Michele's friends and family-I will live with her death for the rest of my life and I am sad that I never knew her. All the stories I heard about her helped me to understand her life though. You want to know something...I think that she would have chased me. To everyone at Skydive Atlanta-Thank you for inviting me to Michele's memorial. It was a jump that I'll never forget...and yes...Freaks CAN bellyfly. It was a beautiful Texas 20 way star flown with one slot open. That was the formation that we were supposed to see the first time around. Blue Skies forever T- Quote WOW! Nothing but respect for you. I'm honored to be a part of the same 'Brotherhood'...! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
outlawhottie 0 #81 February 28, 2005 My condolences to family and friends. theyr'e all in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
