Skydiving at 85: A Family Adventure in Longmont** **
July 25, 2024, 9:50 pm
Location: United States, Colorado, Longmont
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 1871
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In a world where age often dictates limits, Anjean VanderVliet defies the odds. At 85, she took to the skies, not just for herself, but to bring her family together. Skydiving isn’t just a thrill; it’s a testament to living fully, regardless of age.
On June 29, the Vance Brand Municipal Airport in Longmont buzzed with excitement. Eight family members gathered, ready to leap from a plane. Among them was Anjean, a woman who faced her share of challenges. Just months earlier, she had suffered a heart attack. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.
Pam Carlson, Anjean’s daughter, played a pivotal role in this adventure. Recently victorious over breast cancer, she understood the value of seizing the moment. “If I can do breast cancer radiation, I can do this,” she thought. This skydiving experience was more than a thrill; it was a celebration of resilience and family bonds.
Pam didn’t just want to jump; she wanted her family to join her. She rallied her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. The idea was simple yet profound: share this moment together. Two of Anjean’s closest friends cheered from the ground, adding to the sense of community.
As the family prepared for their jumps, the atmosphere was electric. Excitement mingled with nerves. Anjean’s grandson, Conner Clark, was among the younger jumpers. This was his first skydiving experience too. “It’s a shared thing now,” he said, reflecting on the unique bond formed through this adventure.
For Conner, the idea of his great-grandmother wanting to skydive was surprising. “It sounded crazy to me — but in a good way,” he admitted. He had always known Anjean as an active person, but this was a new level of adventurous spirit.
The moment arrived. One by one, they boarded the plane. Anjean, with her heart racing, was ready to take the plunge. Conner jumped first, and as he descended, he wondered if Anjean would follow. To his amazement, she was right behind him.
The experience was exhilarating. The rush of wind, the breathtaking views, and the sheer thrill of freefalling created memories that would last a lifetime. Anjean’s determination shone through. “No matter how old you are, you can still do something that you want to do,” Pam said, capturing the essence of their adventure.
After landing, the family celebrated. They shared stories, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment. Joey VanderVliet, Anjean’s son, traveled from North Dakota to join the jump. When he heard about his mother’s plan, he couldn’t resist. “When my sister called and said, ‘Mom’s going skydiving,’ I said, ‘We’re coming down,’” he recalled.
The day was well-documented. Videos and photos captured every moment, preserving the joy and excitement. “They’re videos and pictures that she’ll have for the rest of her life, and the rest of our lives, as well,” Joey noted.
Anjean’s spirit was infectious. She expressed a desire to skydive again when she turns 95. “My mom is a spitfire,” Joey said, highlighting her zest for life. With skydiving crossed off her bucket list, Anjean has her sights set on hot air ballooning next. “I’m sure, someday, we’ll do that,” she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
This skydiving adventure is more than just a story of an elderly woman taking a leap. It’s a reminder that life is meant to be lived fully. Anjean VanderVliet’s journey inspires us all to embrace our dreams, regardless of age.
In a society that often sidelines the elderly, Anjean stands as a beacon of hope. She shows us that adventure knows no age. Whether it’s skydiving, hot air ballooning, or simply trying something new, the spirit of adventure is ageless.
The family’s experience is a powerful narrative of love, courage, and connection. It’s a reminder that the bonds we share can elevate our experiences. Together, they soared through the skies, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As the sun set on that unforgettable day, Anjean and her family celebrated not just their jumps, but the strength of their connections. They proved that family is the ultimate adventure. And for Anjean, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
In the end, it’s about more than just the thrill of the jump. It’s about the stories we create, the memories we cherish, and the love that binds us. Anjean VanderVliet’s skydiving adventure is a testament to living life to the fullest, no matter the age.
In a world where age often dictates limits, Anjean VanderVliet defies the odds. At 85, she took to the skies, not just for herself, but to bring her family together. Skydiving isn’t just a thrill; it’s a testament to living fully, regardless of age.
On June 29, the Vance Brand Municipal Airport in Longmont buzzed with excitement. Eight family members gathered, ready to leap from a plane. Among them was Anjean, a woman who faced her share of challenges. Just months earlier, she had suffered a heart attack. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.
Pam Carlson, Anjean’s daughter, played a pivotal role in this adventure. Recently victorious over breast cancer, she understood the value of seizing the moment. “If I can do breast cancer radiation, I can do this,” she thought. This skydiving experience was more than a thrill; it was a celebration of resilience and family bonds.
Pam didn’t just want to jump; she wanted her family to join her. She rallied her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. The idea was simple yet profound: share this moment together. Two of Anjean’s closest friends cheered from the ground, adding to the sense of community.
As the family prepared for their jumps, the atmosphere was electric. Excitement mingled with nerves. Anjean’s grandson, Conner Clark, was among the younger jumpers. This was his first skydiving experience too. “It’s a shared thing now,” he said, reflecting on the unique bond formed through this adventure.
For Conner, the idea of his great-grandmother wanting to skydive was surprising. “It sounded crazy to me — but in a good way,” he admitted. He had always known Anjean as an active person, but this was a new level of adventurous spirit.
The moment arrived. One by one, they boarded the plane. Anjean, with her heart racing, was ready to take the plunge. Conner jumped first, and as he descended, he wondered if Anjean would follow. To his amazement, she was right behind him.
The experience was exhilarating. The rush of wind, the breathtaking views, and the sheer thrill of freefalling created memories that would last a lifetime. Anjean’s determination shone through. “No matter how old you are, you can still do something that you want to do,” Pam said, capturing the essence of their adventure.
After landing, the family celebrated. They shared stories, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment. Joey VanderVliet, Anjean’s son, traveled from North Dakota to join the jump. When he heard about his mother’s plan, he couldn’t resist. “When my sister called and said, ‘Mom’s going skydiving,’ I said, ‘We’re coming down,’” he recalled.
The day was well-documented. Videos and photos captured every moment, preserving the joy and excitement. “They’re videos and pictures that she’ll have for the rest of her life, and the rest of our lives, as well,” Joey noted.
Anjean’s spirit was infectious. She expressed a desire to skydive again when she turns 95. “My mom is a spitfire,” Joey said, highlighting her zest for life. With skydiving crossed off her bucket list, Anjean has her sights set on hot air ballooning next. “I’m sure, someday, we’ll do that,” she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
This skydiving adventure is more than just a story of an elderly woman taking a leap. It’s a reminder that life is meant to be lived fully. Anjean VanderVliet’s journey inspires us all to embrace our dreams, regardless of age.
In a society that often sidelines the elderly, Anjean stands as a beacon of hope. She shows us that adventure knows no age. Whether it’s skydiving, hot air ballooning, or simply trying something new, the spirit of adventure is ageless.
The family’s experience is a powerful narrative of love, courage, and connection. It’s a reminder that the bonds we share can elevate our experiences. Together, they soared through the skies, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As the sun set on that unforgettable day, Anjean and her family celebrated not just their jumps, but the strength of their connections. They proved that family is the ultimate adventure. And for Anjean, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
In the end, it’s about more than just the thrill of the jump. It’s about the stories we create, the memories we cherish, and the love that binds us. Anjean VanderVliet’s skydiving adventure is a testament to living life to the fullest, no matter the age.