TheMarshMan1 0 #1 December 27, 2001 Hey guys. I'm sure this has been brought up before, but just a quick rant anyways.... My parents are probably the most unsupportive parents in the world when it comes to skydiving. I mean, I've been doing it long enough now for them to realize that it wasnt just a passing fad. I plan on someday hopefully making skydiving as much of my career as possible- maybe as an instructor, videographer, rigger, who knows- hell I'm only 19. They know absolutely NOTHING about the sport, and yet they refuse to hear about it. They say they dont care if i do it, but refuse to contribute in any way whatsoever. What bothers me most is this: They know I'm never ever going to give this up, and yet they continue to fight it. I've never been really close to either of my parents, but this is making things even worse between us. Why cant they at least just pretend to be supportive? I mean, I've tried everything: tried to get them to visit a DZ, didnt work. showed them some pics of me doing it, didnt work. showed them a couple video clips, didnt work. Tried to explain to them some of the basics of the sport, didnt work. Its not because of the money- I work my ass off to be able to buy gear and jumps. So, am I missing something here? What else can I do? I just dont want this to completely destroy what little relationship I have with them. Oh well....any advice would be wonderful, and sorry for the rant...Blue skies,Marshall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #2 December 27, 2001 They'll get over it. And if they don't? Their problem, not yours. I've been jumping almost 12 years... my parents have been out to the dz twice, seen me land once. They don't like me to talk about it, don't want to see my videos, basically don't want to know anything about it, especially now that I'm getting back in the air less than a year after back surgery. They'll get over it... If your "real" family doesn't like jumping, just remember that you also have a real family out at the dz... pull and flare,lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kizzie92 0 #3 December 27, 2001 Dear Auntie Tony...What else can I do? I just dont want this to completely destroy what little relationship I have with them. Oh well....any advice would be wonderful, and sorry for the rant...------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Unsupported,I would suggest that you bring a few of your best skydiving buddies home for dinner one evening. Particularly the ones who also enjoy membership of either the Hells Angels or The Rock Machine. If you can't find any, please contact me at Skydive SWOOP and we'll send some of Montreals best right on over.Seriously though...git in tha plane and jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TheMarshMan1 0 #4 December 27, 2001 "...bring a few of your best skydiving buddies home for dinner one evening..."hehe, not a bad idea. But its a rare occasion that I eat dinner with them myself... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites canopycudler 0 #5 December 27, 2001 I don't have much advise on this one.. but I'll offer support.. my parents were there for my first tandem and EVERY single jump up to jump Number 30.. it was a blast having them there..and I would still love for my dad to come.. I can make you laugh with tons of reasons you don't want your parents at the dz..1. My mom ran out on the landing area after a face plant yelling"are you ok, are you ok?" ewwww.. that hurt the ego worse than the face..2. My mom cheers and whistles every time she sees a swoop.3. She reminds me to "buckle my seatbelt" before every single load.. Parents gotta love um!! LOL.. yours will come around.. I promise.. While they might not ever be supportive.. they will someday accept.. and then then will brag to family members "that there kid is a skydiver" be careful what you wish for.. heheP.S.. if they don't accept...eventually they will learn that if they want to see you they'll have to come to the dz.. !! Love & Skydiving...Tina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kizzie92 0 #6 December 27, 2001 enquiring as to :hehe, not a bad idea. But its a rare occasion that I eat dinner with them myself...------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites FallinWoman 1 #7 December 27, 2001 Marshall,I can relate. My mom is cool, she has learned a ton about skydiving and actually feels better now that she knows about my cypres and how cautious I am. My father is a different story.In my letter to Santa this year (yes, I am 29 and required to write to Santa) I asked for only one thing....for my father to accept me for who I am...a skydiver. Santa (whose handwriting looks remarkably like my father's) wrote back that my father can't get over it because he is scared to death of something happening to me. It is not lack of love, but rather an abundance of it that separates us on the skydiving issue. I know it is frustrating for you, but try to understand WHY they are not supportive. It is probably because they worry about their little boy!Blue skies,Anne"by stitches, cloth, and cord,...a god of the sky for those immortal moments."-Lindbergh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Stacy 0 #8 December 27, 2001 kizzie-you jump at swoop??!!! you have to know Liz then....Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TheMarshMan1 0 #9 December 27, 2001 "Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels...."LOL...my parents... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites dove 0 #10 December 27, 2001 Hey Mom and Dad: If I died tomorrow in a car accident - you would at least know that I had lived my life to the fullest and was completely enjoying it. If I wasn't skydiving, I would be leaving this earth unfulfilled and not as happy as I could be. (Caution: use a death example unrelated to skydiving!)As parents - how can they resist. Every parent wants their kids to be as happy as they can. Have someone take a pic of you grinning your ass off in freefall. How can they deny you such joy? My parents worry about me but they say they have never EVER seen me so happy before. They'll come around. It would be scary for a parent - especially if you didn't know everything about the sport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kizzie92 0 #11 December 27, 2001 In Answer to :you jump at swoop??!!! you have to know Liz then....------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Liz Mann? Yes I do. Fine specimine of womanhood that she is. Manifestor extrordinare. Haint seen her for a while since she migrated south of the border but we miss her dearly. If you are in contact with her ladyship please say hi from Tony and all of the mob at SWOOP. The late nite bonfire is not the same without her and we are having problems controlling the notorious Tim Berg.:0) Tony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Stacy 0 #12 December 27, 2001 my parents are less than excited about my jumping habit. They refused to talk about it for about the first 6 months. i would show videos, etc with little or no response. My grandparents however were a different story. They lovei t adn will watch hours of video without getting bored, love to look at pictures, and have come out to the DZ twice. the parents came once this season after realizing I'm not gonna give this up and watched my team work together a little. They won't buy me anything skydiving related still, but I did catch my mom watching one of my 4way vids while I was home. Parents are as stubborn as we are. =c)Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kizzie92 0 #13 December 27, 2001 Dear Auntie Tony :"Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels...."LOL...my parents...----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear UnsupportedThen I would recommend having dinner with your local chapter of the Hells Angels. Life is about compromise and I feel sure that given the choice between accepting you as dedicated skydiver and accepting you as a dedicated Hells Angel, your parent will make the right decision and err on the side of skydiving.Hopefully this will solve your unfortunate dilemma.Good luckTony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites fred 0 #14 December 27, 2001 Last year, before I'd taken my first jump, my parents went out and watched some skydivers in Eloy. (They're retired, touring the country, and heard something about Skydive AZ).Anyhow, turns out that they saw somebody bounce on the tarmac after a low canopy collision. So when they found out that I'd taken up the sport, they were less than enthusiastic.It's hard for them. There are real dangers. I don't expect them to be supportive, and understand why they aren't running out to buy me jump tickets or even come out to watch me. They don't particularly want to hear about it, but respect that it's my choice and it's something I love. That is to say, they pretty much ignore it. I'm fine with that. If they're still living in denial in a few years, I may have to sit them down.And I'm going to insist that they see my graduation jump next summer, whether they want to or not, they will be there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freaksister 0 #15 December 27, 2001 I had to force my mom to quit going to the DZ with me...she was driving me nuts! I swear she could have taught the FJC,= but then was looking over my shoulder all the time! A year and a half later, she's much better...but still I don't really like for her to come to the DZ. My dad and his wife have been out a few times (you must understand both sets of parents live about 6-7 hours from the dz, like I *used* to!) and they are pretty cool about it. They all say, "Well, It wouldn't BOTHER ME if you quit...haha...but since we know how stubborn you are, you are going to do it anyway! So we might as well go with it...you have shown remarkable sensibility in the sport so far, so we are just going to keep our mouths shut." HEHEHEThey even buy me gear once in awhile. I made a joke today about not getting jump tickets for XMAS and my stepmom said, well, did you ASK for any? I was like, UH, no...It never occurred to me!! I know!! LOSER!! HAHAHAHASeriously though, parents are usually shocked when you tell them you want to skydive. I don't think they ever quite get over it. Some are much more understanding than others. I would think ( and forgive my psychologist brain from doing that!) that part of your problem is the lackluster relationship you have had with them prior to your skydiving. If you were close to them before it would be easier. So now, you and your parents both are at a place where you need to be patient and understanding. Maybe they aren't comfortable with your life in general, much less skydiving. Who knows? I don't because I don't know you. But it sounds like you should be pretty slow with them. Try to find a rapport with them about something else, get closer to them if possible...but don't expect them to embrace jumping without regard. Sounds like your family has more issues than just skydiving.Sorry, my two cents...please don't be offended.Hugs and blue skies *and good luck with the parentals!!*My thoughts are with you!SisI feel so alive,for the very first time-and I think I can fly! - P.O.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Kris 0 #16 December 27, 2001 This was posted on wreck.skydiving a couple of years ago and pretty much summed it up for me. Luckily, my parents have come around, understand that I am safe and are genuinely concerned with how I am progressing in the sport. Hell, they even took me out for dinner when I got my JM rating. Kris_______________________________Hey everyone. I sent email to my mom concerning her concern about my skydiving, I liked some of what I wrote so much that I had to post it to you all to see what you think of it. Peace.Fly free...Paul D-21740************************************************************Why I love Skydiving"...No, you don't really understand *why* I love skydiving. There is so much to it. I will TRY and explain a little for you. It isn't just about being able to use natural forces to fly three dimensionally as humans can, even though that is the biggest part of it. It is about getting away from the world of television fed, brainless zombies and the media lemmings that have no concept of what living is who feed them. It is about finding truth in a world of misunderstanding and fear. It is about being a child forever. It is about discovering awesome breathtaking experiences and images of flight. It is about building lifetime friendships and relationships with others who have escaped and broken the chain to the same world. It is about witnessing a person experience something so awesome for the first time and looking into their eyes and communicating "I know" without so many useless words. It is about relying on instinct and being humbled. It is about understanding why we need to survive and live into tomorrow, so we can do it all again. It is about being a part of things that you know so many billions of souls will never get to see or do or feel or experience, and how they could do it so easily if they only knew. It is about laughing at that simple fact. It is about laughing because you KNOW. It is about laughing because many are too stressed over nothing, to be able to." -Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MiataDRM 0 #17 December 27, 2001 My parents are somewhat supportive/indifferent about the sport. My dad always gives me this look as if I was 12 y/o again and throwing my money away...only I'm 26 y/o married w/ a 2 year old son! Last summer, I showed my parents a tape of a few jumps I've made...I walked out to get a drink and came back to find my mother sobing!!!! My parents have never been to a DZ and might never will. Needless to say, I don't talk about skydiving around my mom! In all seriousness, I hope things work out...like someone posted earlier, find something else to get closer w/ your parents (for now) and enjoy your skydiving w/ your "other" family. Mean while, talk about the safety aspects of the sport and drag them out to the DZ during a cook-out this summer.**I'm a Pschydiver!Majdi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kizzie92 0 #18 December 27, 2001 C'mon guyz! When you gonna stop worrying what yer parents think? They can darned well think what they like cos it aint gonna change anything. You all wuz borne to flyyy. Maybe y'all shoud go and join Ron Schott and his Christian Skydivers Association and paint a pretty picture of your sorry skydiving butts with angel wings attached. Grow up, get in tha plane and be everything that you can be. If your parents don't like it, let em fester on it for a year or two until they get bored of all the nagging and the drama queen b/s.errr...Just my $20,000 dollars worth.:0) Tony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Brokeneagle 0 #19 December 27, 2001 MarshMan, hate to tell you this, but I'm sure you have an inkling of it already-- your parent(s) may NEVER accept your chosen sport. Mine never did... my dad was closest, told me I had bigger balls than he did, but he's been gone 8 1/2 years now, to my mom, I can't talk about it or about my jumpin' buddies, show her my friends' videos, or EVER expect her to come out to the DZ- she hates the very idea of it, and aggressively cuts me down verbally every chance she gets, now that I broke my "good" leg on a misjudged landing, ESPECIALLY for wanting nothing but to continue in it-screamed at me again just last nite, and she just got back from a three-week jaunt to Australia with her cronies, and the very first thing out of her mouth is what she'll do to me if I EVER jump again-- but I look at it this way; there is so much bad shit I COULD be into that I'm not(see notes above on Hell's Angels memberships), and since this is the one thing that really makes me happy that I really want, it's not too much to ask. I've never had their support here, but I've never really depended on it, either (see notes above on dz family) I look at folks wistfully whose parents are supportive or even (gasp) there at the DZ to cheer them on, but I also know I have my "preferred" family for my support- good friends and/or fellow jumpers- as well as my blood relatives in my life. 'S a good thing... Brokeneagle. I'm really very gentle, no matter what my kung-fu teacher says... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #20 December 27, 2001 My parents have only come out to the DZ once. That was last summer. I kept gigling at my Mom asking qiestions like "Is there a bathroom there?" "Do we need to bring food?" Should I wear boots?" Of course all these silly questions made a lot more sense once I remembered that the last jump my Dad made was in 1965. They used to go out to a grass strip and jump out of my Dad's Cessna. You should have seen my Dad's face when he was watching people land in Shorts and Tivas....A little differen't from the days of thick sole jump boots and PLF's. They love watching my videos. My Dad is always amazed at how far the sport has come. Have two videos of recent jumps in Head down and the other is me holding a tube. Back in my Dad's day they were proud of being able to pass a baton and standing up a landing was an amazing thing. Just tell them you have another hobby. Like golf....whatever they would be supportive of. Then, when they buy you new clubs just take them down to the pawn shop and use the cash for skydiving gear. Parents.....what they don't know won't hurt them....."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #21 December 27, 2001 Hey Marshall, tell your folks that skydiving is starting to bore you and you are going to take up base-jumping instead.... (even if it doesn't make them chill out about skydiving at least it'll be good for a laugh when they bust their collective nut) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #22 December 27, 2001 QuoteI kept gigling at my Mom asking qiestions like... "Should I wear boots?" I knew it! Combat or cowboy with spurs, Clay? As for the original thread, don't sweat your parents. Either they will "Get it" someday and accept it, or they won't. Just continue giving them the opportunity to take part in minor, easy ways, and do what you want. Don't let them stop you from jumping, or detract from your enjoyment of the sport. There isn't any need to be confrontational. Just quietly, persistantly, continue doing what you want.JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #23 December 27, 2001 "Combat or cowboy with spurs, Clay?"Actually English riding .....with spurs......"I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #24 December 27, 2001 Hmm. Remarkably cultured. I would never have guessed! JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chickenhawk420 0 #25 December 27, 2001 Im gettin a feelin of de ja vu here, sorry can't give advice coz im gettin this as well and its sucks, big time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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skybytch 273 #2 December 27, 2001 They'll get over it. And if they don't? Their problem, not yours. I've been jumping almost 12 years... my parents have been out to the dz twice, seen me land once. They don't like me to talk about it, don't want to see my videos, basically don't want to know anything about it, especially now that I'm getting back in the air less than a year after back surgery. They'll get over it... If your "real" family doesn't like jumping, just remember that you also have a real family out at the dz... pull and flare,lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kizzie92 0 #3 December 27, 2001 Dear Auntie Tony...What else can I do? I just dont want this to completely destroy what little relationship I have with them. Oh well....any advice would be wonderful, and sorry for the rant...------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Unsupported,I would suggest that you bring a few of your best skydiving buddies home for dinner one evening. Particularly the ones who also enjoy membership of either the Hells Angels or The Rock Machine. If you can't find any, please contact me at Skydive SWOOP and we'll send some of Montreals best right on over.Seriously though...git in tha plane and jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheMarshMan1 0 #4 December 27, 2001 "...bring a few of your best skydiving buddies home for dinner one evening..."hehe, not a bad idea. But its a rare occasion that I eat dinner with them myself... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canopycudler 0 #5 December 27, 2001 I don't have much advise on this one.. but I'll offer support.. my parents were there for my first tandem and EVERY single jump up to jump Number 30.. it was a blast having them there..and I would still love for my dad to come.. I can make you laugh with tons of reasons you don't want your parents at the dz..1. My mom ran out on the landing area after a face plant yelling"are you ok, are you ok?" ewwww.. that hurt the ego worse than the face..2. My mom cheers and whistles every time she sees a swoop.3. She reminds me to "buckle my seatbelt" before every single load.. Parents gotta love um!! LOL.. yours will come around.. I promise.. While they might not ever be supportive.. they will someday accept.. and then then will brag to family members "that there kid is a skydiver" be careful what you wish for.. heheP.S.. if they don't accept...eventually they will learn that if they want to see you they'll have to come to the dz.. !! Love & Skydiving...Tina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kizzie92 0 #6 December 27, 2001 enquiring as to :hehe, not a bad idea. But its a rare occasion that I eat dinner with them myself...------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallinWoman 1 #7 December 27, 2001 Marshall,I can relate. My mom is cool, she has learned a ton about skydiving and actually feels better now that she knows about my cypres and how cautious I am. My father is a different story.In my letter to Santa this year (yes, I am 29 and required to write to Santa) I asked for only one thing....for my father to accept me for who I am...a skydiver. Santa (whose handwriting looks remarkably like my father's) wrote back that my father can't get over it because he is scared to death of something happening to me. It is not lack of love, but rather an abundance of it that separates us on the skydiving issue. I know it is frustrating for you, but try to understand WHY they are not supportive. It is probably because they worry about their little boy!Blue skies,Anne"by stitches, cloth, and cord,...a god of the sky for those immortal moments."-Lindbergh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #8 December 27, 2001 kizzie-you jump at swoop??!!! you have to know Liz then....Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheMarshMan1 0 #9 December 27, 2001 "Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels...."LOL...my parents... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #10 December 27, 2001 Hey Mom and Dad: If I died tomorrow in a car accident - you would at least know that I had lived my life to the fullest and was completely enjoying it. If I wasn't skydiving, I would be leaving this earth unfulfilled and not as happy as I could be. (Caution: use a death example unrelated to skydiving!)As parents - how can they resist. Every parent wants their kids to be as happy as they can. Have someone take a pic of you grinning your ass off in freefall. How can they deny you such joy? My parents worry about me but they say they have never EVER seen me so happy before. They'll come around. It would be scary for a parent - especially if you didn't know everything about the sport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kizzie92 0 #11 December 27, 2001 In Answer to :you jump at swoop??!!! you have to know Liz then....------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Liz Mann? Yes I do. Fine specimine of womanhood that she is. Manifestor extrordinare. Haint seen her for a while since she migrated south of the border but we miss her dearly. If you are in contact with her ladyship please say hi from Tony and all of the mob at SWOOP. The late nite bonfire is not the same without her and we are having problems controlling the notorious Tim Berg.:0) Tony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #12 December 27, 2001 my parents are less than excited about my jumping habit. They refused to talk about it for about the first 6 months. i would show videos, etc with little or no response. My grandparents however were a different story. They lovei t adn will watch hours of video without getting bored, love to look at pictures, and have come out to the DZ twice. the parents came once this season after realizing I'm not gonna give this up and watched my team work together a little. They won't buy me anything skydiving related still, but I did catch my mom watching one of my 4way vids while I was home. Parents are as stubborn as we are. =c)Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kizzie92 0 #13 December 27, 2001 Dear Auntie Tony :"Who? Your parents, skydivers or hells angels...."LOL...my parents...----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear UnsupportedThen I would recommend having dinner with your local chapter of the Hells Angels. Life is about compromise and I feel sure that given the choice between accepting you as dedicated skydiver and accepting you as a dedicated Hells Angel, your parent will make the right decision and err on the side of skydiving.Hopefully this will solve your unfortunate dilemma.Good luckTony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fred 0 #14 December 27, 2001 Last year, before I'd taken my first jump, my parents went out and watched some skydivers in Eloy. (They're retired, touring the country, and heard something about Skydive AZ).Anyhow, turns out that they saw somebody bounce on the tarmac after a low canopy collision. So when they found out that I'd taken up the sport, they were less than enthusiastic.It's hard for them. There are real dangers. I don't expect them to be supportive, and understand why they aren't running out to buy me jump tickets or even come out to watch me. They don't particularly want to hear about it, but respect that it's my choice and it's something I love. That is to say, they pretty much ignore it. I'm fine with that. If they're still living in denial in a few years, I may have to sit them down.And I'm going to insist that they see my graduation jump next summer, whether they want to or not, they will be there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freaksister 0 #15 December 27, 2001 I had to force my mom to quit going to the DZ with me...she was driving me nuts! I swear she could have taught the FJC,= but then was looking over my shoulder all the time! A year and a half later, she's much better...but still I don't really like for her to come to the DZ. My dad and his wife have been out a few times (you must understand both sets of parents live about 6-7 hours from the dz, like I *used* to!) and they are pretty cool about it. They all say, "Well, It wouldn't BOTHER ME if you quit...haha...but since we know how stubborn you are, you are going to do it anyway! So we might as well go with it...you have shown remarkable sensibility in the sport so far, so we are just going to keep our mouths shut." HEHEHEThey even buy me gear once in awhile. I made a joke today about not getting jump tickets for XMAS and my stepmom said, well, did you ASK for any? I was like, UH, no...It never occurred to me!! I know!! LOSER!! HAHAHAHASeriously though, parents are usually shocked when you tell them you want to skydive. I don't think they ever quite get over it. Some are much more understanding than others. I would think ( and forgive my psychologist brain from doing that!) that part of your problem is the lackluster relationship you have had with them prior to your skydiving. If you were close to them before it would be easier. So now, you and your parents both are at a place where you need to be patient and understanding. Maybe they aren't comfortable with your life in general, much less skydiving. Who knows? I don't because I don't know you. But it sounds like you should be pretty slow with them. Try to find a rapport with them about something else, get closer to them if possible...but don't expect them to embrace jumping without regard. Sounds like your family has more issues than just skydiving.Sorry, my two cents...please don't be offended.Hugs and blue skies *and good luck with the parentals!!*My thoughts are with you!SisI feel so alive,for the very first time-and I think I can fly! - P.O.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #16 December 27, 2001 This was posted on wreck.skydiving a couple of years ago and pretty much summed it up for me. Luckily, my parents have come around, understand that I am safe and are genuinely concerned with how I am progressing in the sport. Hell, they even took me out for dinner when I got my JM rating. Kris_______________________________Hey everyone. I sent email to my mom concerning her concern about my skydiving, I liked some of what I wrote so much that I had to post it to you all to see what you think of it. Peace.Fly free...Paul D-21740************************************************************Why I love Skydiving"...No, you don't really understand *why* I love skydiving. There is so much to it. I will TRY and explain a little for you. It isn't just about being able to use natural forces to fly three dimensionally as humans can, even though that is the biggest part of it. It is about getting away from the world of television fed, brainless zombies and the media lemmings that have no concept of what living is who feed them. It is about finding truth in a world of misunderstanding and fear. It is about being a child forever. It is about discovering awesome breathtaking experiences and images of flight. It is about building lifetime friendships and relationships with others who have escaped and broken the chain to the same world. It is about witnessing a person experience something so awesome for the first time and looking into their eyes and communicating "I know" without so many useless words. It is about relying on instinct and being humbled. It is about understanding why we need to survive and live into tomorrow, so we can do it all again. It is about being a part of things that you know so many billions of souls will never get to see or do or feel or experience, and how they could do it so easily if they only knew. It is about laughing at that simple fact. It is about laughing because you KNOW. It is about laughing because many are too stressed over nothing, to be able to." -Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiataDRM 0 #17 December 27, 2001 My parents are somewhat supportive/indifferent about the sport. My dad always gives me this look as if I was 12 y/o again and throwing my money away...only I'm 26 y/o married w/ a 2 year old son! Last summer, I showed my parents a tape of a few jumps I've made...I walked out to get a drink and came back to find my mother sobing!!!! My parents have never been to a DZ and might never will. Needless to say, I don't talk about skydiving around my mom! In all seriousness, I hope things work out...like someone posted earlier, find something else to get closer w/ your parents (for now) and enjoy your skydiving w/ your "other" family. Mean while, talk about the safety aspects of the sport and drag them out to the DZ during a cook-out this summer.**I'm a Pschydiver!Majdi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kizzie92 0 #18 December 27, 2001 C'mon guyz! When you gonna stop worrying what yer parents think? They can darned well think what they like cos it aint gonna change anything. You all wuz borne to flyyy. Maybe y'all shoud go and join Ron Schott and his Christian Skydivers Association and paint a pretty picture of your sorry skydiving butts with angel wings attached. Grow up, get in tha plane and be everything that you can be. If your parents don't like it, let em fester on it for a year or two until they get bored of all the nagging and the drama queen b/s.errr...Just my $20,000 dollars worth.:0) Tony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brokeneagle 0 #19 December 27, 2001 MarshMan, hate to tell you this, but I'm sure you have an inkling of it already-- your parent(s) may NEVER accept your chosen sport. Mine never did... my dad was closest, told me I had bigger balls than he did, but he's been gone 8 1/2 years now, to my mom, I can't talk about it or about my jumpin' buddies, show her my friends' videos, or EVER expect her to come out to the DZ- she hates the very idea of it, and aggressively cuts me down verbally every chance she gets, now that I broke my "good" leg on a misjudged landing, ESPECIALLY for wanting nothing but to continue in it-screamed at me again just last nite, and she just got back from a three-week jaunt to Australia with her cronies, and the very first thing out of her mouth is what she'll do to me if I EVER jump again-- but I look at it this way; there is so much bad shit I COULD be into that I'm not(see notes above on Hell's Angels memberships), and since this is the one thing that really makes me happy that I really want, it's not too much to ask. I've never had their support here, but I've never really depended on it, either (see notes above on dz family) I look at folks wistfully whose parents are supportive or even (gasp) there at the DZ to cheer them on, but I also know I have my "preferred" family for my support- good friends and/or fellow jumpers- as well as my blood relatives in my life. 'S a good thing... Brokeneagle. I'm really very gentle, no matter what my kung-fu teacher says... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #20 December 27, 2001 My parents have only come out to the DZ once. That was last summer. I kept gigling at my Mom asking qiestions like "Is there a bathroom there?" "Do we need to bring food?" Should I wear boots?" Of course all these silly questions made a lot more sense once I remembered that the last jump my Dad made was in 1965. They used to go out to a grass strip and jump out of my Dad's Cessna. You should have seen my Dad's face when he was watching people land in Shorts and Tivas....A little differen't from the days of thick sole jump boots and PLF's. They love watching my videos. My Dad is always amazed at how far the sport has come. Have two videos of recent jumps in Head down and the other is me holding a tube. Back in my Dad's day they were proud of being able to pass a baton and standing up a landing was an amazing thing. Just tell them you have another hobby. Like golf....whatever they would be supportive of. Then, when they buy you new clubs just take them down to the pawn shop and use the cash for skydiving gear. Parents.....what they don't know won't hurt them....."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #21 December 27, 2001 Hey Marshall, tell your folks that skydiving is starting to bore you and you are going to take up base-jumping instead.... (even if it doesn't make them chill out about skydiving at least it'll be good for a laugh when they bust their collective nut) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #22 December 27, 2001 QuoteI kept gigling at my Mom asking qiestions like... "Should I wear boots?" I knew it! Combat or cowboy with spurs, Clay? As for the original thread, don't sweat your parents. Either they will "Get it" someday and accept it, or they won't. Just continue giving them the opportunity to take part in minor, easy ways, and do what you want. Don't let them stop you from jumping, or detract from your enjoyment of the sport. There isn't any need to be confrontational. Just quietly, persistantly, continue doing what you want.JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #23 December 27, 2001 "Combat or cowboy with spurs, Clay?"Actually English riding .....with spurs......"I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #24 December 27, 2001 Hmm. Remarkably cultured. I would never have guessed! JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chickenhawk420 0 #25 December 27, 2001 Im gettin a feelin of de ja vu here, sorry can't give advice coz im gettin this as well and its sucks, big time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
