Free Flight

Everyone likes to get a around for free, I suppose. In a way, we all start there at the beginning of this life, sitting on our mother's hip or cradled in her arms. That was the life.

As the youngest child, I not only got free rides via my mom, I also got rides on the backs of my brothers. Many of their rides were given in ways that my mom may not have approved.

I was told, and it was agreed to by other witnesses, of a particular ride that one of my brothers gave me. My mom had gone somewhere and had left me in the capable hands of my gentle and creative brothers. With their fine minds they had rigged up a high jumping bar and found an old mattress to land on.

This was not only a good set up for their future Olympic careers, it could also be employed to entertain a little brother. After a few bounces on the soft mattress, a little higher drop was attempted. "Hey...he likes it." I was all giggles. If a little leap makes me giggle, a larger leap is sure to be hilarious.

Sure enough, an attempt was made. With a graceful ease this chubby little brother was launched on a virgin flight. The trajectory aimed at passing over the high bar and landing with a giggle on the soft mattress. The flight planners rejoiced as I bounced in glee. It was fun and what a great way to babysit.

A few more attempts followed with the usual jubilation. Until the eventful flight. Upon leaving my brothers hands I began to tumble. Over I went, passing the bar successfully, descending awkwardly to the designated location. I landed right on my head.

My brothers gasped, I sat silently. They thought I was dead, paralyzed or somehow maimed. I had survived and have have found ample opportunity to land on my head under my own power.

Ah the days of free rides and free flight....