"When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."
~ Barbara J. Winter

June 8, 2002
I am being taught to fly! This is a gift of grace in my life.

The weather is crisp, sunny, they say “the best dive day all season”, an absolutely perfect day. Chris Civie, the skydiving instructor who has led me to Jumptown, requests the perfect “tandem master” as my guide and partner, Kevin Barrett.

I recently completed The 1% Miracle Seminar. “So what is the last 1% between you and 100%?” I answer by jumping out of a plane at 13,500 feet. Pam and Bob, also participants in the seminar are there for their skydives. We support each other throughout the day.

At some point in a process, there is ONLY “what is the next step” and surrender.

First waiting for my time on the plane, breathe! Then suiting up, some instruction on jumping and positioning. Breathe! Relaxing & releasing, somehow there is trust and commitment to this action. Breathe! I realize I am calm, centered and ready to go!

Kevin is so sure, confident and excited to support me. I feel safe! He informs me that this is his 1001 jump. I am excited as we board the plane. I am ready! We climb, at 9,000 feet, getting ready to jump, more deep breaths! I ask that we pray – a simple letting go. I am trusting!

“God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. God bless and guide this path.”

We stand at the edge of the open door of the plane. We rock gently. One, two…and we’re out. We tumble through sky, the wind singing loudly surrounding us, holding us. Kevin quickly rights us into free fall position. I experience the sheer delight of flying. There is a freedom and I dance, actually really boogie, to this music. The earth so far below is beautiful like a lush green moss carpet covering vast expanses.

I am grateful for Kevin’s focus. He pulls the ripcord. The parachute opens lifting us gently and we begin to float.

It’s quiet now, a silence that is so profound by it’s contrast with just a moment before. He hands me the toggles, guides me to take control and suddenly we are weaving in and out around the sky. Is this how the birds fly? Gracefully right and left and gliding in sheer delight.

Soon we land. Knees up, feet ready to touch earth again. Ground - YES! Flying – YES!

I am planning to go again – anyone want to join me!