13,760 Feet: My Personal Hole in the Sky

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to fly? To defy gravity and experience an adrenaline rush like no other? Well, let me take you on a journey to my personal hole in the sky, where I discovered the ultimate thrill - skydiving from 13,760 feet!

1. The Call of the Sky

From a young age, I was captivated by the sight of planes soaring high above in the endless blue expanse. It was as if they were teasing me, calling me to explore what lay beyond the clouds. I knew deep down that one day, I would have to answer that call.

The first time I saw a skydiving video, my heart skipped a beat. The sheer adrenaline rush and the freedom it offered seemed surreal. It ignited a fire within me, and I made a vow to myself that one day, I would take the leap and experience the pure ecstasy of free fall.

13,760 Feet—My Personal Hole in the Sky

by Mark Berry(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	887 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	348 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

2. Preparing for the Jump

The decision to embark on this thrilling adventure wasn't one I took lightly. It required careful planning and preparation. I started by researching reputable skydiving centers, reading reviews, and talking to experienced jumpers.

After thorough consideration, I found the perfect location that offered jumps from an impressive altitude of 13,760 feet. This elevation ensured a prolonged free fall, giving me ample time to immerse myself in the beauty of the sky and revel in the sensations that came with it.

As the day of the jump drew closer, my anticipation grew exponentially. I received a comprehensive briefing from the instructors at the skydiving center, ensuring I understood every aspect of the experience and the safety measures in place. I carefully geared up, feeling an exhilarating mix of nervousness and excitement.

3. The Leap of Faith

Standing at the edge of the plane's open door, a gust of wind tousling my hair, I felt a surge of emotions. Fear, excitement, and pure adrenaline coursed through my veins. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for a split second, and jumped into the unknown.

The initial seconds of free fall were an overwhelming sensory explosion. The wind rushed past my ears, my heart pounded against my chest, and the world seemed to blur around me. However, as I adjusted to the thrill, an incredible tranquility washed over me.

Suspended in mid-air, I felt weightless, as if time had momentarily stopped. The view was breathtaking. The azure sky stretched endlessly above, and the Earth unveiled itself in all its natural beauty below. It was like gazing upon a masterpiece that only few had the privilege to witness.

4. Embracing the Revelation

As my parachute deployed, gently slowing down my descent, I had a moment to reflect on the experience. Skydiving from 13,760 feet had revealed to me a profound truth: we are minuscule beings in this vast universe, yet capable of remarkable feats. It reminded me of the infinite possibilities and opportunities that await us if we dare to take that leap.

After a smooth landing, I couldn't help but vow to return to this personal hole in the sky. The experience had imprinted a lifelong passion within me. Beyond the thrill and adventure, skydiving had opened my eyes to a new dimension of living - one where fear exists merely to be conquered, and boundaries are mere illusions.

5.

Skydiving from 13,760 feet was a life-altering experience that will forever remain etched in my memory. It was the freedom to conquer my fears, embrace the unknown, and soar through the skies like a bird. I encourage everyone to find their own personal hole in the sky and discover the magic that lies beyond it.

So, are you ready to take the leap?

13,760 Feet—My Personal Hole in the Sky

by Mark Berry(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	887 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	348 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The 747 that went up whole and came down in 876 pieces invaded every part of my life. My only consolation is that, without being able to turn around, she never saw behind her the giant hole where the rest of the aircraft should have been—an oblong oval opening to the tumbling sky, bordered by torn cables, shredded aluminum aircraft skin, sheared beams and spars, and accented with sparking severed wires. And I hope she couldn’t comprehend what was actually happening if she lived long enough to ride this nearly three mile high, free-falling hell-ivator all the way down to the ocean’s surface, and then sink to 140 feet below, where her body would wait to be recovered.

Mark is a major airline pilot with twenty-five years of seniority and he’s a contributing editor for Airways magazine. He earned an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University where he was also a managing editor for Mason's Road literary journal. Excerpts of this memoir have appeared in Airways as well as: AOPA Flight Training, Connecticut Newspapers, Epiphany, ERAU EaglesNEST, So…Stories, The Stoneslide Corrective, The Story Shack, TARPA Topics, Under the Sun, and Write This.

There are 41 companion songs for this book that can be heard on the author’s website: http://marklberry.com/memoir