Looking Back

[David Wang 63]

Just some early morning reflection. 

If given a do-over, I would have never gotten into skydiving in the first place. 

Actions have consequences. 

I’m grateful for still being here. 

I’m not planning to jump again - if ever. 

my five-years-ago self would have never said any of what I’ve just said. 

[wmw999 2,507]

I'm sort of assuming you're graduating this spring... Good time for reflection.

You've made a life for yourself. It doesn't have room for skydiving -- that's not a problem. And your malfunction really wasn't a beginner malfunction. The correct answer is the one that has to surviving, and that you did.

I wish you well, really. Maybe your involvement in skydiving helped you to decide to really buckle down in school -- if so, that's not an entirely negative consequence. But yeah, things can have life-changing consequences. 

And don't generate a long bucket list -- as you can, do the things that interest you, don't save them up, because they'll keep your life interesting, and the best way to meet interesting people is to have your own interesting life.

Enough lecture from the senior auntie 

Wendy P.

[TampaPete 52]

Very well said Auntie Wendy. 
 

David this is a good decision for you. I’ve made similar decisions and you just keep moving forward. But, you have some cool memories and stories. Hopefully you have a few cool pics too. I would encourage you to also remember the outpouring of concern and help when you asked. Whether your in the air or idle, this is one of the coolest communities around. Look forward to the next cooler chapter. And it is out there. 
 

Keep in touch. 
 

TampaPete

[gowlerk 2,236]

It's been 5 years already? Skydiving is something that takes a lot of desire in order to progress. In this world only a tiny fraction of people find it to be worth the time, money, and risk. Have you told your mother of your decision? I'm pretty sure she is or will be quite happy.

[TampaPete 52]

On 3/31/2025 at 10:15 AM, TampaPete said:

Very well said Auntie Wendy. 
 

David this is a good decision for you. I’ve made similar decisions and you just keep moving forward. But, you have some cool memories and stories. Hopefully you have a few cool pics too. I would encourage you to also remember the outpouring of concern and help when you asked. Whether your in the air or idle, this is one of the coolest communities around. Look forward to the next cooler chapter. And it is out there. 
 

Keep in touch. 
 

TampaPete

David - I forgot to add: CONRATULATIONS! on a hard earned well deserved degree. We were all pulling for you.

Bests

TampaPete

[David Wang 63]

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks for all the incredibly kind and warm messages. 

On 3/31/2025 at 8:38 AM, wmw999 said:

And don't generate a long bucket list -- as you can, do the things that interest you, don't save them up, because they'll keep your life interesting, and the best way to meet interesting people is to have your own interesting life.

Absolutely. If anything, the whole experience, although short, has been deeply influential and has only made me cherish my life more. I got a second chance and actually recovered reasonably well (not 100%, but that's the price of surviving, which I accept). I know a lot of people didn't get the same chance. I'm truly incredibly lucky and I'm thankful for that daily. Although I may not physically be in the sky anymore, I'm determined to make the most out of this life. 

On 3/31/2025 at 10:15 AM, TampaPete said:

I would encourage you to also remember the outpouring of concern and help when you asked.

I will always remember. You guys nudged and pushed me to the right direction and gave me a lot of life advice. Some hard opinions too, but I probably needed to hear them at that time. I couldn't understand everything that was said back then, but now I've gained more perspective and understood more. I have made the best decisions for myself. Time is really powerful. It allowed me to heal and process things at my own pace. Skydiving has shaped me and is always a part of me now. I'm at peace with not jumping again and am ready to move forward. 

On 3/31/2025 at 11:05 AM, gowlerk said:

Have you told your mother of your decision? I'm pretty sure she is or will be quite happy.

I have. She is happy. I understand her more now. She really loves and cares about me, and she desperately wanted to protect me back then. 

[BIGUN 1,366]

17 hours ago, David Wang said:

Skydiving has shaped me and is always a part of me now.

You will always be a skydiver. No one can take that from you. Please check in on occasion. You'll always be a part of this community. 

[JerryBaumchen 1,414]

10 minutes ago, BIGUN said:

You will always be a skydiver. No one can take that from you. Please check in on occasion. You'll always be a part of this community. 

Hi Keith,

Quite a few years ago, I had occasion to call Skratch Harris on a legal issue in California.  He is an attorney in San Diego & a 'former' skydiver.  I introduced myself & said that I was a former skydiver.  He immediately replied that no one is a 'former' skydiver, you will always be a skydiver.

Jerry Baumchen