Curses! Foiled Again!

I don’t have a bucket list but if I did, the first thing on the list would be skydiving. Since my early twenties, I have talked about and wanted to go skydiving. 

I had my first opportunity in Pope Valley, CA in a small airport high in the hills. They were having an event at the airport there and included in the offerings was an opportunity to do a tandem jump. The rules were that we had to attend a 45-minute class to prepare us for the jump.  I was so excited I was vibrating. I sat on the edge of my seat and soaked up every word and instruction. 

Once the training was over, we suited up in jumpsuits and headed for the plane. My husband (at the time) looked on with terror in his eyes. He was convinced that I would chicken out. As I headed up the stairs of the plane, he stepped over and took my arm. He said it was my choice. I could do this jump or remain his wife, but I couldn’t do both In hindsight, I think I made the wrong choice.

Several years later, I had a similar opportunity. My nephew-in-law, Craig was being given a jump experience as a gift on his 40th birthday. Again I was told that I couldn’t make the jump. We were living in Colorado and I couldn’t get away. Once again, I folded. Not totally by choice.

In July of this year, my great-nephew Kadon announced at a family gathering that he was doing a tandem jump as part of his birthday celebration. He asked, “Who’s in?”  I immediately responded that I was definitely in. 

Kadon and his Mom were making the jump  They told me the sight to go to to sign up. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately went on the site, paid my deposit, and signed up. Within a day of doing this, the reservation spaces were all filled.

Throughout the following weeks, I was so excited. I told my co-workers what I was going to do and I think they looked at me a bit differently. They asked if I was afraid and I answered that I was not.

As the day of the event came closer, I couldn’t contain my excitement. After all the years of waiting and hoping it was going to happen. On Tuesday, the week before our jump, I woke up with a sore throat. I also had a raging headache and was feeling shaky. My symptoms worsened on Wednesday and Thursday I felt awful. 

Lisa stopped over for our Sidetracked Sisters meeting and was shocked. I was totally out of it and could barely walk up the stairs to go to bed. She tucked me in and took care of Quincy. 

On. Friday morning I still felt horrible. I made a trip to urgent care to be checked out. The doctors ran all of the tests corresponding to my complaints. 

As I waited in the exam room I hoped that I could take something to clear things up for” our big weekend. The doctor came in after a lengthy wait for the test results. He said, “I have good news and bad news.” The good news is that you don’t have strep throat or any other infection.  The bad news is, you have Covid. 

Of all the luck. I called the Skydiving people and asked if they had a policy against jumping if you had COVID-19. (I’ve always been too honest for my own good). Of course, they answered that they did not allow anyone with COVID-19 to jump. They explained their reasons and I sheepishly agreed.

Curses foiled again. So my great-nephew, Nathan got to jump in my place. He had wanted to make the jump and the reservations were filled. If I couldn’t jump, I was pleased that he could take my place. 

I will make this happen if it kills me. Based on my history it just might. Was this a sign? Heavens no, just bad timing on my part.Time to reserve my excitement for the next time.

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