It was time for my 5th skydive!  Nick spent some time with me discussing the skydive. We would be doing a Category C jump with two AFF instructors. "Do you remember your ground training?" he asked.  I was quick to respond and recited, "Altitude, Arch, Legs, Relax."

"That's it." He told me it would be the most boring skydive ever. If everything went well, they would release me. I had a series of what if questions. What if I don't get stable? What if you let go of me, and I start spinning? What if I forget to do something important? What if....

AFF instructors have a way of calming me. They are reassuring and supportive. "You've done this before." If you are not stable, they won't let go of you. If they release you and you start to spin, they will re-grip. If, for some reason, you forget everything, they will give you hand signals to indicate what you are supposed to be doing.

We geared up and made our way out to the plane. While were climbing to altitude, I visualized the jump. Nothing complicated. Exit the plane, check my altitude, do a circle of awareness, practice touches, and then relax. Relax. Deep breath. Relax.

It was our turn to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Shonda (the videographer) climbed out first and got into place. Lambert, Nick and I climbed out into position. I checked in with Nick and then Lambert. I took a deep breath and started the count. I kicked my leg back (Ready), then forward (Set) and then back (Arch) as I released my grip from the plane.

I arched and arched, but something didn't feel right. Nick had a strange hold on my right arm. I started my circle of awareness, but Lambert wasn't there when I looked under my left arm. I could feel him holding onto my leg, but I couldn't see him. Strange. I concentrated on my tasks. I checked in with Nick. He gave me the thumbs up. I checked my altitude and noticed that Lambert was in the right position.

Altitude, Arch, Legs, Relax - I even made Nick's "fairy" hands. Repeat. I waved off at 5,500 feet and pulled. As I made my way back to the drop zone, I thought about the jump. Did they let go of me? I wasn't sure. I couldn't wait to watch the video!