Parasailing
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64361)
United Kingdom
March 10, 2021 1:31pm CST
I had a young friend who was very adventurous despite having been paralysed in an accident.
We were in Tenerife and she saw people parasailing and wanted to try it herself. It involves sitting in a boat attached to a specially designed parachute, then when the boat picks up speed you are launched into the air.
As we weren't sure that she would be able to do it, I volunteered to go up first to see if I thought she could manage it.
I was 60 at the time but had to do it just as if I was her, so I wasn't able to use my arms to hold on to the parachute attachments. As a result I found myself angled forward with the harness biting into my shoulders. Not fun.
Then when I landed back in the boat I was unable to brace myself with my legs (as my friend had no use in hers) so I just sort of crumpled up, grazing my knees.
I had to give my friend the bad news that no, it wasn't for her.
Undaunted, she decided to try sky-diving instead. She did that strapped to a professional skydiver who was used to dealing with disabled people, and she raised a lot of money for charity in the process.
38 people like this
40 responses
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
10 Mar 21
I was just think about your friend the other day, she was someone who didn’t spend her life thinking about what she lost but rather enjoying what she had.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
10 Mar 21
@jaboUK I do remember all your previous posts however and I know what a great loss sh was in your ife. 
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118506)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Mar 21
That was nice of you to test out the parasailing before she did, or else she could have realized a similar (or worse) experience than you did. I'm glad she did get to go skydiving, and in the process raise money for charity. I love how she has not let her disabilities stop her from her sense of adventure.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118506)
• Gainesville, Florida
11 Mar 21
@jaboUK Sorry to hear about her passing. I'm sure she was a very wonderful person.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
11 Mar 21
@moffittjc She was indeed. She was paralysed in a horse-riding accident at 31 and lived until she was 54.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
10 Mar 21
It must have been tough for you - you are a true friend
2 people like this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
10 Mar 21
@jaboUK Doing it as a disabled person may not have been easy.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40569)
• United States
11 Mar 21
Wow, I am really impressed that you not only went parasailing (and at 60!), but that you did it like your friend would have. You go, Girl! 
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40569)
• United States
11 Mar 21
@jaboUK That's sad, but it sounds like she worked hard to overcome it.
1 person likes this
! Well, I'm glad she found a more suitable sky flying adventure - did she do many charities doing things like this?
@RebeccasFarm (86780)
• United States
11 Mar 21
Look at that what an amazing feat.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86780)
• United States
11 Mar 21
@jaboUK Much credit due her bless.
1 person likes this
@RitzzView (2994)
• India
11 Mar 21
Her spirit just doesn't end. I love that girl....
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26780)
• United States
11 Mar 21
You're a good friend. You're friend did such a good deed too. Friendship is wonderful! Your post just made my week.
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26780)
• United States
11 Mar 21
@jaboUK
(It's the truth!) The world needs people like the 3 of you. Well done.
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38663)
• Midland, Michigan
10 Mar 21
At least you saved Sarah from getting hurt and bruised para sailing.
1 person likes this
