A Proud Dad....

[b.walker5]

...Took his little girl skydiving today. It was my daughters 19th birthday last Saturday and it was a very special day. Some of you may know that over that last few months she has had a battle with cancer and for a time we thought she might not see this birthday. She/we fought the battle for almost a year and I'm pleased to say that it looks like she's won, so today we celebrated the win and her birthday and drove to Queenstown so she could jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane.

It was actually her 18th birthday present but she first got sick shortly after her 18th and has had to wait a year to do it.





Now she's talking about paying for another jump for her and me on my birthday.

[GARTHXS]

That is awesome I have two daughters and I don't know how I would cope if something like that would happen

[Wildkat]

So VERY cool!

What a way to celebrate!

and you have a lovely daughter, Brian... SOOO glad that she is doing well and that you were both able to enjoy the day together.

[DGXSER]

Wow Brian, No words cold possibly describe the way that had to feel for you. My daughter is 16 1/2 (going on 30, if you know what I mean), and we have discussed doing this together. But to have survived such a brutal and ruthless disease as well, she is a brave young lady.

Happy B-day and a many years of adventure for you all!!!!!

[b.walker5]

Thanks guys, and Kat. After almost losing her, watching her take off to jump out of a plane at 12000 feet was an interesting feeling, and my heart was in my mouth until she was safely back on the ground, but the look of sheer joy on her face for that last few feet before touchdown will never be forgotten.

We had a great day.

[TADracer]

From an old Screaming Eagle with the 101st Airborne Division, all I can say is

GERONIMO!

Glad things are looking up for you all and best wishes.

[tarzan]

I'm glad to hear your daughter is doing well. I can understand your mixed feelings watching her jump out of a plane too. My daughter(who is now 20) asked me to build her a demolition derby car.So I did. She did great though
and it was awesome to get to do something together like that.

[DiverRay]

As I've been through that when my son was 16, I think I can say I know how you feel. It is great when they get over the first hard hump, and even better once everything is done. My son chose to try flying, rather than jumping. Me, I've 16 jumps with the 82nd airborne in the mid 70's. All I can say is she is probably hooked, and yes, you DO need to try it!
As a blackhat said in jump school, "It's the MOST fun you can have with your pants on!"

[tcoop]

I have 6 daughters and I can't begin to imagine the heartache that you have gone through. Congratulations on beating it and having the chance to see her jump out of that perfectly good plane. Hopefully the two of you can to the next jump together.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Hi, Brian...
As you probably know, my own daughter just turned 18 and graduated HS last week. I can't possibly imagine what this ordeal must have been like for you, but I can imagine how I'd feel if it were my Sarah.

So glad to hear she's doing better.
You've got a real cutie on your hands there, and that must've been a blast!
She'll be in my prayers for continued health.

Looked like one of those "remember it for the rest of my life" days!
Too Cool!
Take care.
Bob

[MrOzz]

Happy Birthday to your daughter. Glad to hear that all has worked out . Get ready to jump with your daughter on your birthday.

[Poprock]

Great story, on both counts! Thanks for sharing it. Congratulations (X2) to your daughter, and kudos to you as a terrific dad.

[ScottsXS]

thats great news!!!congrats

[jmnjrpa]

Kinda choked up

Yeah that's the way I would feel. Brian, I am SO happy for you and your daughter. I hope she has whipped it.

[fredintoon]

...Took his little girl skydiving today. It was my daughters 19th birthday last Saturday and it was a very special day. - - -

Hi Brian,
my morbid fear of heights is NOT the reason I live in Saskatchewan but I find that even thinking about skydiving makes me queasy.
But your daughter's hopefully successful battle with cancer makes me realize that my own concerns about both my daughters disastrous choice in husbands is simply nothing worth worrying about.