Skydiving At 80 Is One Reason My Dad Might Not Be Like Yours
Have you ever done something crazy for a milestone birthday? Perhaps you took a trip, maybe went axe throwing, or threw a big party. But have you ever jumped out of a perfectly good airplane to celebrate another trip around the sun? Well, that’s what my dad did, he went skydiving.
By the way, this isn’t the first time he’s done it. This started when he turned 60. I guess he liked it so much that he went back and did it on his 70th, and 75th as well.
No, I Didn’t Join Him Skydiving
When I told people I was going to make the trek to see him celebrate his 80th in the sky, everyone asked me the same question – are you going to do it too? I gave the same answer every time – Hell No! I mean, I talk on the radio every day, that’s enough excitement for me. Talking on stage in front of thousands of rock fans is all the adrenaline I need.
This isn’t the first time he’s done some high-adrenaline activity. In the early 90s, he raced late-model stock cars. That lasted four seasons before his throttle stuck and he smashed the car to pieces when he slammed the wall.
Here’s the funny thing, I think I can count on one hand the amount of times he’s flown in the past 30 years. Like me, I’m not crazy about flying. I think it has something to do with the fact that I’m not in control. I like to be at the helm driving or riding.
This jump was supposed to happen last weekend, but bad weather pushed it to this past Saturday, which allowed me to make it on the actual day of his birthday. I’m glad I was able to watch from the ground, but now my daughter wants to jump out of a plane…..ugh!
Happy 80th, Dad!
