Wow, what a weekend. I’ve just got back from dropping the grandkids back to their Dad and now have time to sit and catch up on some work. I picked the kids up on Saturday and we set about doing the normal stuff together and, fortunately, Cloe had come home for the weekend so most, if not all, of the pressure was taken off me to entertain them.
On Saturday evening I was informed that, in the morning, we were going to Salisbury for me and Eddie to do a tandem skydive. I had planned meeting my Sister and her husband for lunch in Salisbury but found out that everyone was in, on the surprise and the lunch was just a method of getting me to Salisbury. Cloe had gathered the kids to discuss what to buy me for my Birthday and had suggested that they all group together and pay for me to jump. Eddie had wanted to do a skydive a couple of years ago when Cloe and Jack did one, but he wasn’t old enough, so now was his chance.
Not having jumped out of a plane for over 18 years, I was looking forward to getting up to 15,000ft for a controlled experience with an expert. Eddie was also looking forward to the jump, although there were some signs of nerves whilst we waited to board the plane, but he never thought of running away!
I met my instructor (Mark) and we had a great chat about the experience and how to make the most of the jump. I was interested in how he came to be in this job and, funnily enough, it was because he hated being an electrician, so 7 years ago decided to do something else and an opportunity came up at this drop zone. The rest is history.
The day went perfectly, the jump was awesome and Eddie loved the experience too. I had a picnic with the family, including the grandkids, the weather was amazing and I don’t think it could have gone any better. My Birthday is on Tuesday but I think Sunday’s experience is going to be tough to beat.
I am so grateful to have thoughtful children (Mainly Cloe xxx) but they all go out of their way to contribute to this family. Don’t get me wrong, they all have their moments, as we all do, but on the whole I have fantastic kids and I love them so much. I’m sure I don’t tell them that enough.
On Sunday evening, the heavens opened and the storms hit with force, what a contrast to rest of the day, but the grandkids and Sandra went out in the cul-de-sac and danced in the rain. The thunder and lightening gave them a fright now and then, but what a great finish to the day, building more memories for everyone. The weekend finished sitting in front of an open fire with a mug of hot chocolate (I had a beer!).
Grateful, appreciative and loved is the only way I can describe how that day made me feel.
It’s nice that the hard work paid off. As most of you will know, being a parent is tough. You don’t get a handbook and have to navigate the journey the best way you can. People give you advice and guidance, along the way, but when the front door closes, sometimes you are on your own.
Well done to all of the parents reading this and if you are not a parent yet, well done to your parents for doing a great job.