PARASAILING: Veteran’s dream comes true

Today, I was pleased to accompany Jim Waddell from Post Falls on an excursion with CDA Parasail. Jim has been dreaming about this for over one year. Today his dreams came true. One of the souvenirs he got stated: “Let’s Get High”, with a sail and a person flying high over the water.

Jim was a Korean Vet and now lives in honor at the Veteran’s Home in Post Falls, where he is dearly loved and respected.

I cannot say enough about the care the employees gave Jim on this excursion. The young men were kind, empathetic and efficient in preparing Jim for his Parasail flight. They were exemplary. One of the guests on the boat volunteered to go up with Jim on the flight, as weight is a factor in parasailing. She was an amazing young lady, whom I never got her name.

Jim’s next venture will be parachuting. I am sure his smile will be as big as it was today 500 feet in the air, flying free.  

I couldn’t let this moment go by without honoring the crew of the Parasail company, and the joy they gave to this special man.  

Kudos to CDA Parasailing for their expertise and for going above and beyond to make a person feel alive.  

BETH PIETLICKI

Coeur d’Alene