wmw999 2,589 #1 July 15, 2003 Someone else's beautiful son has died James Willers. I have a 19-year-old son who takes risks (I did when I was his age), but I absolutely cannot imagine what his mother is going through. Each of you have family or friends who love you. You can't live your life for them, but you owe it to yourself to really learn about what you're doing, and not just trying to figure out difficult things on your own. Educate yourself thoroughly. It's one thing to learn how to drive a powerful car that is able to go slowly. It's another to learn how to drive a canopy that's at the edge of your ability, and which, every time you land, you have to have split-second judgement on. If you have learned and trained and practiced, then if the unthinkable happens (and trust me, as a mother, it's utterly unthinkable), you've given it your best shot and come up short. You were in control. It's your life, and you used it. If you ignored a whole lot of evidence, then it'll feel more like a waste. Take it from a mom. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #2 July 15, 2003 prayers and vibes to the fam... thx for the post Wendy... having a newborn around has brought all of this back to the front burner for me... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #3 July 15, 2003 I'm going to try to remember that... -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
w4p2 0 #4 July 15, 2003 My prayers to the family and friends of James. My special respect to Heather, who during the middle of crises was capable of providing thoughtful and precise information of the unfortunate incident. Despite of your fears and sorrow you have supplied the community with reports, that just might prevent someone taking the risks, that caused this young man his life. For all of you, once more, my sympathy and prayers. Kindly: JL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samurai136 0 #5 July 15, 2003 My heart goes out everyone who has lost a loved one. I lost my teenage sister in a car accident six monthes before I got in the sport. The things I learned: 1. It's no one's fault. 2. Life is to be lived at its fullest 3. It takes at least 2 years to deal with a close family loss. (The doctor told me that) Ken edit: my mother (Rn) regularly reminds me that I have used up 2 of my 9 cat lives in this sport. I always think, "Mom says, ' Don't make low turns.'" in my landing pattern."Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #6 July 15, 2003 From the subject I thought this was going to be about BASE jumping, still your sentiments are timely. I was thinking about this very thing just yesterday. Up until now, the thought of me being seriously injured or killed really hasn't sunk in. For some reason it did yesterday. Nothing special happened, I wasn't out jumping and I really haven't had any close calls or anything. But I started wondering "What if something goes wrong on a BASE jump and I wind up quadriplegic?" It's funny. The thought of death doesn't bother me, but the thought of paralysis really gave me a "Holy Shit" moment... thinking about the costs not only to myself but to my family & others who care about me. I'm guessing everyone goes through this. But it was a real eye opener & totally unexpected. As far as Jame's incident goes, my condolences to his family & friends. I've flown both a Jedei & a Vengeance and yes, they fly very, very differently. The Jedei has a control range that is very narrow & deep in the stroke. It's extremely difficult to dial in. Much more than a Vengeance IMHO. Not knocking the Jedei, but what I read is consistent with what I observed. BSBD - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #7 July 15, 2003 Jedei is a Jonathan with airlocks, right? Control range sounds like the Jonathan too. Bummer. Thoughts are with James' friends and families. We are fragile - life is precious. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #8 July 15, 2003 Jedei is a ground up different design then a Jonathan. They were both built buy AirTime Designs, but the Jedei was a Brian Germain design and the Jonathan was not. I personally love my Jedei now that I've got 150 jumps on it and its control range it fimilar with me now.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #9 July 15, 2003 Thanks for informing us of that Wendy. ~ BSBD ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base570 1 #10 July 15, 2003 QuoteSomeone else's beautiful son has died James Willers. .....but I absolutely cannot imagine what his mother is going through. I'm sure it's more than you can imagine, this is her 2nd loss due to skydiving. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
