To Challenge Yourself. How Does This Sound?

"A trip west sounds great. On motorcycles, even better! I love the feeling of the wind blowing and the sun shining on my face, skin, and hair. The fresh air and cool breeze and beauty of the sunset in the evening are extra special!" said Jack.

When they get to Phoenix the plan is to take a plane up and parachute out of it. Can he do that? Jack thought out loud, "Riding a motorcycle that far is one thing but jumping out of an airplane is a whole different thing."

Jack then recalled how he was responsible for a list of 50 things to do in sobriety that he had written for his counselor and the group. He has had it on his bucket list since treatment. He would tick off the things he accomplished on his list for me as he completed them.

Riding a motorcycle and traveling to other states is simple, compared to jumping out of an airplane I thought.

Well, he did just say he enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing and the sun shining, the fresh cool breeze, and the beauty of the evening that may all be possible with the jump.

As Jack's mother, I didn't want to hear about this latest adventure. I don't want to think about it or even know about it. When Jack was drinking he wouldn't tell me anything. Sorry to say, but sometimes I miss not knowing.

Do not get me wrong, it is great to have him sober! The worry that took with it is well worth the occasional jumping out of an airplane with a parachute! I like hearing from him now too. Even just everyday kind of stuff is okay with me.

I have gotten some recovery too thanks to the alcoholics in my life. It wasn't long ago that I may have begged him not to go. Not to do the jump. Maybe not even ride a motorcycle. Would it have worked? Probably not. Most of the time it did not.

No wonder he didn't let me in on what he was doing. Now, it is only an occasional face I make or a quick reminder to be careful!!!

The last few days have been quiet. I suppose riding on a motorcycle is not always conducive to talking on the phone. I'm not sure I really want daily check-ins anyway. After the parachute jump may be enough for me.

Back to keeping busy, so I won't have to think about his jumping anymore today. Oh, and I can always turn him over to HP. That does work for me.

It is the day of the jump. They arrived yesterday and had a get-together with the others that are jumping for the first time. A guy he met in treatment, two that he rode bikes out there with him, and a couple from there, that had organized the event.

Those six would go up together and jump together today. In our state, you have to jump strapped to someone the first time. They have that option there but are all choosing to jump without being strapped. He assured me the lessons they had were great and that they did not foresee any problems.

The saying about not maturing beyond the point you got into addiction is so true in situations like this. It is like teenage mentality. Not 30 some things.

He just made a final call before the jump to tell me, "I love you Mom, and so appreciate your love and prayers over the years. I appreciate that and thank you for sending a few extras today!" And of course, I will and have already started.

Now, why do I worry so? No need! I just got the call. He is fine and other than a bruised knee and arm he is great. I am sure the adrenaline kicked in and he will feel it later. His friends are all fine too.