• strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
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  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_validate() should be compatible with views_handler::options_validate($form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_submit() should be compatible with views_handler::options_submit($form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter_node_status::operator_form() should be compatible with views_handler_filter::operator_form(&$form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/modules/node/views_handler_filter_node_status.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
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  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.

A roller coaster ride of a different kind

As animals we have natural instincts that tell us what to do, and not do, in order to stay alive. As humans, we love to ignore these instincts and do the craziest things possible. Which is why I found myself 13,000 feet in the air, strapped to a stranger and a piece of canvas and not only willing, but excited to jump.
The night before my tandem skydiving extravaganza, this year’s Father’s Day activity, I had a sinking feeling of doubt. For a moment, I recognized the pointless risk of jumping out of an airplane. But by morning, I was nothing but ecstatic. I’d always considered myself a bit of a daredevil and I loved thrill rides and roller coasters. This was another adventure.
After a long drive and a bit of a wait, our group, consisting of me, my dad, my sister, my brother and his girlfriend, was ready to get suited up. Mom was ready to cheer us on and take pictures.
Luckily for me, my instructor was amazing. He was laid back and funny, soothing any leftover nerves. He explained the arch position I would have to make when we jumped out of the plane and then hooked me up to an elevation reader so I could pull open the parachute on my own.
We were ready to go.
As I watched the ground get further away from the tiny plane, I just got more and more excited. Jumping last, I watched as my family members went out one by one. Finally, it was my turn.
Looking out of the plane before I jumped was an indescribable feeling, but luckily I wasn’t given much time to think about it. With a quick “Ready, set, arch” we were out.
I’d heard before that the minute you spend in free fall doesn’t actually feel like falling. Well that, frankly, is bull. I was fully aware of my body flying at up to 120 miles per hour towards the earth. Though the feeling was unexpected and a bit terrifying, it was also riveting. It took me a while to catch my breath,  but I made sure to keep my eyes open and a smile on my face (not exactly optional when you’re falling at that speed).
When we approached 5,000 feet from the ground, my instructor pulled my arm up so I could watch the elevation and placed my other hand on the pull for the parachute. When it was time to pull, he let go of my hand to signal me and I yanked the chute open. Though my part in opening the parachute was admittedly minor, I felt pretty accomplished about it. With a slight jerk we went from falling to actually floating.
I have never seen a more beautiful view in my life. Sure, I’ve seen the world from up high out an airplane window, but when you feel the wind blowing your hair and see your own feet as part of the view — well, that changes things.
As I adjusted to this new sensation, my instructor asked me, “Do you like roller coasters?” With my “Yes!” he jerked us to the side sending us spinning and turning through the sky. After descending 8,000 feet in 60 seconds, you’ve got to do something to keep the rest of the ride interesting. In a few minutes we landed safely back on the earth.
Though my feet were on the ground, my excitement didn’t fall. I was high-fiving my instructor, jumping around and hugging my family. Then I couldn’t help but ask, “Again?”
I’m not entirely sure why I felt the desire to go skydiving. I just knew it was an experience I wanted to have. And I definitely don’t regret it. I still feel a rush when I think about it and a stupid smile gets plastered on my face. People thought we were crazy for going, and maybe we were, but I’m ready for round two.