You Did Say Have Another Sausage

by John Meadows

  I wrapped up my chute with a swirling technique and extricated myself from the straps. I looked skywards to see the final two parachutists descending. I joined the others in running over to greet them, and as we all walked back towards the hangar there was a great feeling within the group of camaraderie and euphoria following our shared experience. Steve and I quietly shook hands and, without a word, exchanged congratulatory nods. It was a surprisingly emotional, draining moment, similar to completing a marathon. Finally I managed to say to Steve, “You know what I forgot to do?”

  “No, what...?”

  “Shout Geronimo!”

  The celebrations that Saturday night in the local pub were exuberant to say the least. It was great to be alive.

  Back at school on Monday, we received congratulations and applause from staff and pupils, and sponsor money rolled in. I was proud to send a cheque to the ‘British Heart Foundation’. I returned Phil’s sailing suit to him with thanks.

  “Oh that’s OK, glad to help,” he said and then asked, “Any problems?”

  With a hollow laugh I just replied “No, everything was fine, but one day Phil, over a pint, I must to tell you a story.”

  Following our experience of training and successfully completing an unaided solo parachute jump, Steve and I both agreed that we could face any future challenge with confidence. We had overcome physical and, in particular, mental barriers. Personally, I felt as though nothing in the future could ever be quite so daunting.

  Until, that is... I decided to write a book.

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