Come fly with me...

Last Saturday, a life long dream was fulfilled. When I called my parents informing them that I was coming to spend the weekend with them, my dad announced that he had a huge surprise for me. The only hint he gave me was: it was something I have wanted to do since I was a little girl. My mind was reeling. What could it possibly be?


Saturday afternoon when I arrived at the Rarick residence, my mom smiled as she told me that my dad had reserved a spot for me to go flying. Not in an airplane flying, but actually hovering-in-mid-air-with-my feet-not-touching-the-ground flying. He was taking me to "I Fly"- a vertical indoor tunnel which is basically used for indoor skydiving!!

AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was beyond ecstatic.

After about 20 minutes of training, I suited up and anxiously waited my turn in the huge wind tunnel.

My stomach was doing flip-flops. Standing all around the transparent tunnel were my parents and about 20 more spectators.

Finally, it was my turn. I stepped in and felt my feet lift up behind me.

It was amazing! I was completely horizontal and totally flying.

You get two minutes in the tunnel, split up. So when I went into my second minute I was able to do more then just hover in one spot. My trainer actually grabbed one arm and one leg and spun me up to the top the tunnel and then back down. The adrenaline rush was surreal. It was definitely an experience I will never forget and I hope to go back again someday!

And although I am totally grateful to my parents for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I will admit that my favorite part of my visit was just spending time with my dad.

Saturday evening we went to the grocery store together. My dad was cracking jokes while we filled up the cart with all kinds of unnecessary snack food. After all he has gone through, he still looks at life with such a positive disposition. He is truly my inspiration.

I love my dad.