Mexico has long been a favorite place for us to vacation.
1960: We watched five young men go into a swan dive. Just before touching the water, arms close with fists out. They entered the water, hardly leaving a splash. The next thing we saw was the five of them climbing back to their diving platform. They were happy to pose with us for a picture. Francie with her naturally curly hair, smiling blue eyes, and fit body was made welcome by all. They invite her to join them in the next dive, showing her how to make a swan dive by closing her fists just before hitting the water. Francie’s husband (me) encouraged her to do the dive another time.
A great show. A fun time with the divers. A pleasant memory.
Next morning found us walking the beach. Then, we heard a boat motor just screaming as it took off. There was a line tied to a parachute. A small person was under the parachute. We watched in amazement as she just rose higher and higher. Soon she was above all the tall buildings. Francie said, “I’m next.” When the rider was making her landing, Fran was waving for me to pay the man. The next thirty minutes were spent getting her into a parachute and all the belts and straps for her ride. The final instruction was when to pull on a rope that would put the parachute on the beach. Once more, the engine roared, and there went my wife into the air—up—up—up. What a smile as she landed on the beach. My how I love this woman I call wife!
It was my turn next. The boat engine roared to life. I ran ten steps, expecting to be lifted into the air. I still don’t know exactly what happened, whether the boat engine failed or if I was just too heavy. I landed face down in the water. The parachute and all the line fell on top of me—suddenly, I was fighting for my life, parachute on top of me and safety harness holding me captive. What a relief when I got myself free. It was time to swim out from all this mess. How welcome sunlight and fresh air were. By the time I made it to the beach, the whole crew had disappeared. No refund. Francie had a good ride. Her husband—thinking it was time to lose a few pounds. Wife gave him a hug and a kiss, and both knew it was time to move on for more adventures.
Roger Wilson, longtime Edmonds resident, traveler extraordinaire, loved most experiences, but not this one so much. This piece is an excerpt from his book Loving Life, a Roughneck’s Guide to Having It All at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515096955. His second book, Loving Wife: Roughneck Guide to a Happy Marriage is at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RPBD59U..
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