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Behind Every Parachutist Is A Great Story
MY LIFE STORY
The Dream of Flying!
Flying has been one of humanity's oldest dreams. Who hasn't dreamed of soaring high up in the beautiful blue skies like a happy bird?!
When I was a child, I dreamed that I was a bird. I gently flew, gliding through the skies! I could feel the cold breeze brushing against my face. Seeing life from a different perspective, from top to bottom, was a unique experience—I felt freedom, happiness, and empowerment.
The endless horizon, adorned like a dazzling diamond necklace, was mesmerizing! The dream felt so real that it remains one of the most vivid dreams I have ever had. "The Dreams of Flying" (O Sonho de Voar!) is the name of one of my poems.
I grew up in my parents' land "Castelo Sítio" a farm in the backlands of Maranhão state, in the Northeast of Brazil—a rural area with a tropical climate.
The heavy daily rains at 3 pm, with lightning and thunder, generally only lasted 15-20 minutes and would suddenly stop, and the warm sun returned to shine again. An amusing aspect was that whenever we planned to meet friends in the afternoon, we used to say, "See you later after the rain... or before the rain. One of my favorite memories is showering in the rain, enjoying the beautiful rainbows, and feeling the pleasant geosmin's smell—the wet earth's Petrichor after the rain.
What does it mean to be constantly "outside your age?" When I was a child, people said I had an "old soul" someone who thought big, 'outside the box.' Today, as an adult, people say I have a childish attitude.
My responsibility at Castelo Sítio was to manually check the daily rain gauge readings and record them in the big book. I was five years old. The hydrometer provides accurate measurements of the volume and temperature of rainwater. The rainfall intensity at Castelo Sítio was always consistently very high.
My father was my greatest source of support, he aided me in navigating unfamiliar situations helping me to perform my functions more effectively, and over time, I began to execute tasks exceptionally well. Receiving praise from everyone made him filled with pride for the work I was accomplishing.
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It was common to keep cash in a plastic bag under the mattress during that time, but my father chose to open a bank savings account for me, to deposit the cash he provided me. A year later, I decided to buy a new bike with my own money, but when the accountant returned from the bank, he had disappointing news. The banker informed him that inflation had devalued the money in my savings account. Since my account was in the red, the banker advised me to make a deposit as soon as possible to cover the debt with the bank and avoid having my name listed in the Credit Protection Service (SPC) as having bad credit.
My father made a new deposit and consoled me through a heartbreaking situation, wiping away my tears becouse I couldn't stop crying, didn't understand how the bank had seemingly taken my money.
Castelo Sítio is home to a vast natural forest of babassu coconut palm trees, a species native to Brazil. These palms are influenced by three climate types: equatorial, semi-arid, and tropical. 90 percent of the babassu coconut palm tree forest in Brazil is in Maranhão, my home state. Palms can grow up to 60 feet tall, and there is no cultivated planting; they grow naturally.
The babassu coconut is a versatile resource, with its oil as a key ingredient in producing a wide range of products. These include soaps, cosmetics, margarines, special fats, and cooking oil. Furthermore, coconut powder, rich in starch, is a staple recipe for regional dishes and the production of highly nutritious vegetable drinks like milk. The almond is also an ingredient in vinegar and the alcoholic drink Cachaça. This astounding versatility showcases the babassu coconut's richness and its potential to contribute to various industries.
Big Family
At Castelo Sítio, I grew up in a large family. I lived with my parents, three sisters, two brothers, and my paternal grandparents, Grandpa Christiano and Grandma MA—Maria dos Anjos. Throughout my life, I have never met anyone who didn't love my parents and grandparents. They were cherished by everyone who knew them.
My father has passed away. He was well-known as "Chico Cristo" because there were many other men named Francisco. The "Chico" in his nickname came from Francisco, and "Cristo" was taken from his father's name, Cristiano. It was essentially a variation of "Chico from Cristo." I have never met anyone as honest and kind as he was. His personality was truly unique, rare, and remarkable. I was his favorite daughter and walked with him up and down. He was the best father a daughter could have ever asked for. No one has ever loved me more than he did. I miss him tremendously.
Mimosa, a nickname that has resonated with warmth and charm throughout her long life, perfectly embodies my mother. A retired teacher with a degree in Fine Arts, her magnetic personality captivates everyone around her, effortlessly winning hearts. Known for her flexibility and approachability, Mimosa turns heads wherever she goes. The famous and delicious drink "Mimosa"—a mix of champagne, orange juice, and ice—has been a favorite among us all for decades.
When asked about the secret to maintaining a fascinating married life for so long, she chuckles, "Life isn't always as rosy as it seems: for all these years of marriage, I can hardly wear my high-heeled sandals because I'm taller than my husband!" Her spontaneous answer brings laughter to everyone in the room.
Today, at 95 years old, I affectionately call her 'Mimozita de Açúcar.' She lives alone in her beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment under the family's supervision, just next door. She is very healthy and happy, enjoying a daily glass of red wine. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she leads a wonderful life with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean on São Luís Island. She loves parties and she's continuing at the top of the guest list for family and friends. "A party without Mimosa isn't a party," everyone says.
On May 2024, Mimosa celebrated her 95th birthday with family and many friends.
Chico Cristo & Mimosa have been married for 56 years.
My school hours were from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It was about three kilometers from home. The school bus used to pick up my brother Neiff (four years older than me) and me at 7:45 a.m. at the gate of Castelo and drop us back at 12:30 p.m.
The driver, who owned the bus, no one knew his name, had a funny nickname, “Boca-Rica” (Rich-Mouth), for all his teeth were covered in gold.
After school, I spent the rest of my day running from one side to the other, playing, riding my bike, swimming, and jumping from the highest tree branches into the cold waters of the river. When jumping from trees became monotonous, I started jumping from the bridge.
I developed a strong independent ethic within Castelo Sítio and knew everyone. However, I realized that both my parents and the employees looked after me very carefully, as there was a lot of movement during the week due to the number of trucks coming and going, carrying babassu coconut, vegetables, rice, sugar cane, peanuts, sweet potatoes, banana, laranja, black pepper, etc.
As I became older, when I was around six years old, I began to act as a "mother" figure to the employees' kids who lived in Castelo Sítio Village. Being an extremely active child who was always zigzagging non-stop everywhere, I got the nickname "Miss-Zig-Daia." I wouldn't say I enjoyed the nickname, and I forbade anyone from using it.
My father was my protector and my hero, and he usually gently intervened and put things right when they started to go wrong. Everyone ceased using the nickname at his command. —But, anytime I did something that my sisters didn't like at home, they sang together - "Stop-miss-zig-daia!... "Stop-miss-zig-daia!..."
I didn't give the future much thought when I was a kid. I was only thinking about how I could soar high like the birds. But I did question my father one day why he and his friends were continually asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. He showed his excitement for the topic by grinning and kissing my face:
— "So, my beautiful, do you already have an answer?" He inquired.
— "Dad, I don't consider these things. It's for adults to worry about the future. "I'm only six years old," I remarked.
—"Sweetheart, I understand that you have important things to focus on in your childhood, and I support that. But I would like you to spend more time studying. You need to do your homework every day. As you requested, I provided you with a Brazil Geographic book and a 100-piece Brazil Map puzzle, but you haven't had the chance to use them yet. You focus only on playing all the time." He said.​
—Dad, my dear, before you go ahead, let me tell you one thing: I spend four hours a day, five days a week at school, studying, and you still want me to study when I arrive home? Do you want to have a daughter with a degree in astronomy and/or science?" I asked.
​—"Sweetheart, don't make me laugh. I have some concerns that I'd like to discuss with you. Your frequent falls off the bike have been leaving you with scratches all over your body. I understand your passion for pushing yourself to perform faster and higher pirouettes, but could you please consider slowing down a bit? On top of that, the bike itself is completely broken. "
​—"Dad, you know how to turn a pleasant conversation into a scolding one. "I said.
My sweetheart, this is not a scolding. I just wanted to let you know that my concerns about you do not diminish my pride in your talents. Your treehouse, for instance, is so beautiful! I liked your idea and the design. You've sophisticated talents, rich, and grand! You can be a successful architect in the future. I'm so so so happy for you! — He said with a voice filled with genuine pride.
The bougainvillea plant has grown well! It's so beautiful! And you were right: With this warm weather, the inside of your "Nest" became much cooler. I liked that detail, too.
Thank you, Dad! I love my Nest, too! I want to sleep over there every night, but you don't let me do it because it isn't safe at night.
Believe me, my love, it's not safe for you to stay overnight. Castelo Sítio is full of wild animals at night around. And you don't need this; you have a big, beautiful, and comfortable bedroom here at the castle.
—Ah, before we finish, I want to ensure you understand that your adventurous spirit, like climbing to the top of the tree and jumping into the river, always worried me, but it's something I've always admired. But now, I hear you jumped off the bridge. The bridge is so high, my dear. This is keeping me up all night. I can't bear the thought of my beautiful daughter getting hurt," He said.
—Dad, don't worry. The risk is the same whether I jump from a tree or a bridge." The bridge is high, you're right, but it's a firm piece of concrete. The tree branch sways so much that sometimes I almost fall before I even jump. I said.
—"Oh, my God! Mery, my sweetheart, these things are hard for me. My heart is getting old and it can't stand these things anymore. Any moment I could die of a heart attack." He said.
""Honey, I don't know whom you take after." He said. "Your mom and I don't have that energy and courage." ... You are a very strong and brave girl. You were born with Taurus energy, which gives you incredible strength and bravery." He added.
"Dad, you say you don't know whom I take after? As you like to say, 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' I share a strong DNA match with both of you. Physically, I'm your copy: I have red and curly hair, very fair skin, a reddened face, and lots of freckles. I've inherited your sweet-heart as well. My green eyes come from mom, of course... and I also got her energy and courage because, let's be honest, being married to you for all these years and having six children requires a lot of energy and courage. Right?"
C-130 Hercules, a legendary cargo plane, of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
I vividly remember being 8 years old when watching a television program about a Parachute Infantry Regiment from Rio de Janeiro. The program showed the launch of 30 parachutist soldiers aboard the C-130 Hercules, a legendary cargo plane of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The instructor explained that after two months of classes, the soldiers would jump from 800 meters.
That day was the first time I heard about skydiving. At that moment, I had so many questions racing through my mind: Would it be possible? How could those soldiers dare to jump out of a plane? What if the parachute didn't open? How would the instructor open the plane door in mid-flight?
The C-130 Hercules, full of skydivers, took off. The instructor's leadership and the soldiers' discipline were impressive. The soldiers sat inside the Hercules in jaw-dropping silence. A few minutes after takeoff, the instructor opened the Hercules's door and communicated with the pilot through the aircraft's radio to position the Hercules on the jump route. He then signaled for the soldiers to stand up. They had already attached their parachute (parachute opening tape) connectors to a steel cable towards the Buffalo's roof.
They wore camouflage jumpsuit, helmets, boots, T-10 round parachutes, and ventral round reserves parahutes. The fully equipped instructor at the door of the Hercules was in charge of everything and everyone. As the time for the jump approached, he called out, "Step forward." The soldiers lined up and took small steps, one after the other. The soldiers were already by the Hercules's door, and then the instructor shouted, "READY, SET, GO!"
I was captivated by the sight of the soldiers jumping from the plane. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I felt a rush of adrenaline, unlike anything I had ever experienced. Watching that video made me feel the sensation of jumping.
The sight of numerous parachutes flying through the expansive blue sky was breathtaking. It stirred a profound desire within me to fly like them. At that very moment, I exclaimed, "When I grow up, I'm going to fly. I'm going to become a paratrooper.
How Skydiving Changed My Life.
Life Has These Things.
When I was 19, a friend named Roberto kept asking me if I wanted to be his girlfriend. 'But you have a girlfriend,' I told him. 'That girl you always see me with, her name is Maria. She's my friend.' He said.
One day, as I was leaving school, I saw Roberto talking to a friend in the schoolyard. I approached them, and we started chatting. His friend left us. I mentioned seeing him with Maria at the ice cream shop. 'Oh, this is true! Maria, very excitedly, came to tell me she had signed up for a skydiving school.' He said.
—'A skydiving course? That sounds amazing! Do you have more details about the school?... Where it is?' I asked.
—'Calm down, my beauty! Don't tell me that you're also interested in skydiving! It seems that all Marias are crazy.' He said jokingly.
—'Maria won't stop talking about this crazy skydiving idea! I already told her to stop with this because I'm worrying about her safety, but she doesn't want to listen to me. Skydiving is extremely radical... It's a thing for men.' He said.
—'There is no skydiving in the state. How does a skydiving course suddenly appear, and no one knows about it? Wasn't this publicized?' I asked.
—'It's a private course at the Military Police Academy and will start next Monday. She spoke to the commander, Coronel Canuto Tupy Caldas (Commander CTC), and he let her sign up. The group has twenty military men; only she is a woman and a civilian. The instructors are military from another state." He said.
—Oh my God! My initial shock turned into pure excitement. Meeting Commander CTC and his wife, Dona Naná, made me believe that my dream of skydiving was soon to become a reality.
During the summer, there were plenty of outdoor activities that I enjoyed. As a member of the 'State Association of Scouts & Bandeirantes,' we had a meeting on that Thursday afternoon. Our team leader scheduled volunteer work for an upcoming soccer game match at the Albertão Soccer Stadium on Saturday. She was thrilled to announce some great news: the soccer match referee would parachute into the stadium carrying the game ball. ''Can you guys believe it!?" She exclaimed with enthusiasm.
I was amazed by this unexpected turn of events! I had never heard of parachuting in the city, but suddenly, one day I found out about the Military Police's first parachuting course, and next day the football referee was going to parachute into the stadium. This is impressive!!
I was stationed in the Girl Scout groups division to work outside the stadium, organizing parking. I wanted to talk to the Parachutist Judge, so I asked if I could stay with the group inside the stadium. However, my request was denied because I had been with the group inside the stadium during the last game. I had to rotate within the group.
I felt sad, but I found comfort in the thought and my heart, that Saturday afternoon would be special and the sun would shine for everyone.
The plane flew over the stadium, and the parachutist-judge jumped out of the airplane. The screams of the crowd echoed inside the stadium.
Suddenly, I noticed that the parachutist, who used a round parachute named PC was struggling against the strong wind. He landed outside the stadium and I was one of the first to reach him. I asked if he was okay."Yes, I am fine. Thank you!" He said.
I mentioned my dream of skydiving, and he suggested that I register for the course at the Military Police barracks of the city.
That Sunday, I couldn't think of anything else. On Monday, at 7:30 am, as I crossed the gates of the Barracks of the General Command of the Military Police of the State of Piauí. I came face to face with a group of soldiers from the Barracks Guard. They were all in camouflage uniforms, helmets and boots, and each held a rifle. They seemed surprised to see me there so early.
When I was very close, one of the soldiers took a few steps forward and asked how he could help. After him, came another soldier, and then another, and another one, until I felt like I was on an island surrounded by a group of armed soldiers from head to toe. Despite the intimidating setting, my determination to enroll in the Barracks parachuting course was unwavering.
With a subtle, delicate gesture, one of the soldiers informed me that the course was exclusively for military personnel —"a very strong man, tough guy, stalwart, beefcake, mighty ... Capiche!" As he spoke, he struck the HULK pose. They all laughed. I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated by his display of power, trying to put me out of a place where he had zero power.
The young man was a very happy soldier. As he spoke, he gestured a lot with his hands. I swear I saw traces of nail polish on his nails. Insisting, I said I wanted to speak to Commander CTC. "He's not in the office, miss. He doesn't usually get to the barracks this early." Said the "happy soldier." Suddenly, another military personnel approached. The Sarg. D'Silva, the Chief of the Guard that day, arrived to end the confusion that had formed in the Guard reception. He ordered the soldiers to return to the Guard post.
I informed him that I was interested in enrolling in the parachuting course and needed to speak to Colonel Tupy Caldas to request authorization. "Miss, the Commander is not in his office," he said. "This morning, he has a meeting with Governor Alberto Silva at Karnak Palace," he added. "Well, as the "Soldier Maravilha" mentioned, the parachuting course is only for military police officers, and the classes have already started today at 8:00 am." He said.
I almost laughed at the nickname "Soldier Maravilha," but I remained quiet, believing there was still order among those military men. In my very innocent head, I had no idea that there were gay men inside Military Barracks full of so many men.
I asked Sarg. D'Silva when the Commander would arrive at the Barracks. "Come back here around 11 o'clock," Said the Chief of the Guard. And... he looked at me from top to bottom and asked my nome:
"Miss Maria?... and....?" He asked. I didn't like the way he looked at me and decided to be rude. "Sorry, officer, my name is not Maria. I said my name is Mery M—E—R—Y. And I don't have a last name. Capiche!" I said. "OK, OK. Sorry!" he said.
With one hand on his waist and the other on his chin, he said: Senhorita Mery, it will be difficult for you to get a place on this course. I couldn't even register myself, to give you an example. The course is only for men - a military personnel of the Military Police, and the candidates were hand-picked by the colonels from the general command of the barracks.
Continuing to look at me provocatively, he said: "Well, as you have a good shape (To emphasize my attractive body, he drew a guitar body shape with his hands while looking at me from head to toe); if I were you, I would be looking for a big wedding. Leave this business of wanting to be a skydiver. Would you change this beautiful dress to a ridiculous camouflage jumpsuit? Are you sure you want to exchange this pair of beautiful sandals for a ridiculous pair of boots, which will look big on your feet.—We don't have boots small in your size. Oh, you have to cut your beautiful hair and also you'll have to cut your nails, and don't even insist on keeping them long and painted, because in the process of packing a parachute, they'll break and the polish will come off."—I didn't acknowledge him, and left.
Returning at 11 am, and I caught the Head of the Guard off guard. He seemed surprised, mentioning that the Commander would only be at the Barracks in the afternoon. I took a seat on the bench in front of the Barracks, contemplating the unexpected turn of events.
Half an hour later, I was in front of the Commander CTC's house. A very serious, fully uniformed, and impeccably armed soldier, from the Military Estate Guard, approached. I said I wanted to speak to the CTC Commander. I would talk to Dona Naná, his wife, if he weren't there. The guard, indicating with his head, told me to look back in a certain direction.
The colonel opened the car window and said, "Mery, my favorite champion, what a pleasure to welcome you to my home!" The Commander called me "my favorite champion" because I had won a gold medal in the 100-meter championship in a student competition at Liceu School. The competition's closing ceremony party was in the barracks courtyard, and the Commander CTC placed the medal around my neck saying: "Receive the gold because you were the best, confirming that you're a high-level athlete," he said.
—"Colonel Tupy Caldas, I need to talk to you. The matter is serious." I said. He asked if I had already had lunch. I shook my head negatively, saying, "No." "Then the senhorita is my guest. Let's go in." He said. Once seated at the table, the Coronel, Dona Naná, and I, he started the conversation by asking how my studies were going. Then he wanted to know the important subject that brought me to him.
"Colonel Tupy Caldas, as you know, I'm an athlete in many sports. However, one sport holds a special place in my heart, and I believe my dream of pursuing it is within reach. I've harbored a strong desire to become a skydiver since I was 8 years old, and my determination to pursue this dream has only grown stronger over time."
The commandant CTC choked. He coughed repeatedly and had to drink plenty of water. Dona Nana stood up and started patting her husband on the back. He looked at me worriedly and asked, "Mery, my daughter, is it true that you want to go skydiving?" I replied, "Yes, Colonel, it's been a long-time dream of mine. Since the Military Police is running a course at the Barracks, I'm sure you will permit me to participate." I said.
—Mery, it is true that we have a parachuting course at the barracks. The course started early today. However, the expenses for this course are being paid by the State Military Police. How am I going to justify something like that? And I can't put you in a barracks with more than a thousand men.
—"Colonel Tupy Caldas, I can pay my expenses, that's not a problem" I said convincingly. "One more thing, Colonel, there is no problem, to be a woman. The Sir has already authorized Maria, that tall girl who works at the 'Banco Econômico', to take the class." I said
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—Colonel Tupy Caldas returned and coughed again. "Are you kidding me?!" he exclaimed. He stood up and, with one hand on the back of his neck, began pacing back and forth with wide strides, looking very worried. "I can’t believe she actually signed up for the course," he continued. "I honestly, I thought she was joking. I can't believe that woman will nerve to jump from a plane." He added.
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—"Colonel, she was serious. She's already there, taking the course." I replied, without certain about what I was saying.
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—"Are you serious?" He asked in amazement.
Mrs. Tupy Caldas glanced at me and joined the conversation. She turned to her husband and said, "Calm down, Tupy. I don’t see any reason to be so worried. You told me that you allowed Maria to take the course. Now, it seems that Mery has dreamed of this since childhood. Let both; Maria and Mery take the course. It’s that simple."
—Mery, sweetheart, I don't understand why would you insist on jumping out of a perfectly good plane! I would never do it, even if someone paid me a million dollars." He said.
I was very happy and said, "Colonel Tupy Caldas, please call the instructors and tell them that they now have another Mery, in the course."
SSarg. D'Silva was already waiting for me. "Women really do rule the world," he said. "This shouldn't bother you," I replied. "Oh, no, no, no... It absolutely, doesn't bother me, at all" he insisted.
As we walked across a spacious courtyard, curious military men strained to get a glimpse of us. They murmured among themselves while watching us.
Sarg. D'Silva led me to the hall where the parachuting course was. I didn't know anyone in the room except Maria. When she saw me, she didn't try to hide her expression of admiration.
The course lasted five days, from Monday to Friday, and included several theoretical classes focused on the knowledge required for packing both the main and reserve parachutes. Intense physical exercises, such as squats, push-ups, forced walking, and running, were a constant part of the training. Throughout the week, there were numerous training sessions on exiting the airplane, as well as extensive parachute navigation and landing exercises. As expected, I experienced pain and bruises all over my body. But all of these were essential for preparing me for the day of the jumps.
At 6:00 AM on Saturday, we arrived at the scheduled location, Senador Petrônio Portella Airport. However, an unexpected event occurred when heavy rain was announced. The Military Police management quickly contacted the administration of Caxias Municipal Aerodrome in Maranhão, next door state, which is located 70 km away. We ended up spending two days jumping in Caxias, where the weather was wonderful!
My first jump?? It was a comedy! Things usually happen only to me:
T-10 military equipment ​​was widely used at the time. It seemed no one had made gear for women. With a small stature of 5.4 and weighing just 100 pounds, any equipment was too big for me.
I was in the first load and was the first one to jump out. We took off in a Cessna 185 without a door. It was my first time flying in an airplane. Sitting on the plane's floor, on the pilot's right side, with my back to the aircraft's instrument panel, I looked down, admiring the immensity of the forest areas with the babassu palm trees of Maranhão. - My home state.For someone whom had never been on a plane, taking off sitting at the door opening of an airplane without a door seemed a little scary. I didn't even think for a second about giving up. I dreamed for many years that one day I would fly.
We arrived at the jump altitude. The pilot received guidance from the jump instructor, Eduardo. The noise of the Cessna's engine and the strong wind prevented good communication. The instructor shouted to the pilot: “AIRPLANE ON FINAL ROUTE.” Eduardo took my hand, looked straight into my eyes, and said out loud. "MERY, OFF THE PLANE." Sitting at the door, with my feet on the plane's footboard, with both hands, I held on tightly to the upright (aircraft support, below the wing) and pulled myself out of the plane. The wind was very strong. As the equipment was very loose on my body, I felt the equipment had remained inside the plane when I got up.
As I positioned myself well outside the plane, I looked at Eduardo. Smiling, he gave me a thumbs-up and shouted, "READY, SET, GO." I took a deep breath, released my hands, and threw myself backward. I felt my body flying at the plane exit , witnessing the pilot smiling at me and Eduardo sending out kisses.
Hollywood missed the big picture. What a spectacular exit! Skydiving is the most extraordinary thing in the world. It's a deep internal sensation that immediately evokes a strong emotional reaction between the body and mind.
Life Has These Things!
The skydiving equipment was very big and loose on my body. When the T-10 parachute opened, the reserve parachute, which had been positioned at stomach height before, moved to below my chin, pushing my head back.
This restricted my visibility, and I could only look down from the corner of my eyes, over the top of my shoulders. The toggles (brakes) for steering the parachute were located high up on the risers - support rods of the parachute lines, and were far too high, making them unreachable for me.
Due to the limited visibility and inability to steer the parachute, poor Mery was gone with the wind!
I forgot about the unexpected and undesirable problems and enjoyed that unique moment. Silence enveloped me as I looked up and admired my beautiful parachute! It was a lovely sunny day, and the sky sparkled like a diamond.
I felt euphoric as if I were tipsy. It's not about feeling tipsy or buzzed; it's about feeling truly alive, empowered, and charmed, like a magical feeling of being on top of the world, flying, literally, in the clouds!
Finally, I was realizing my long-awaited dream of flying! "Where did I find the courage to jump out of that Cessna?! " I asked myself... "Jumping out of a perfectly good plane," as Col. Tupy Caldas said.
It was an incredible experience to be involved in that silence immersed —just me and my parachute, far from everything and everyone, soaring above the world in an expansive open sky that sparkled like a crystal in the sunlight. I couldn't help but imagine what life down there would be like at that exact moment. With a radiant smile, I felt like a cherished child of God who loved me deeply.
Even if I tried to use every word in the world, I still wouldn't be able to describe the feeling of this moment! It's a unique feeling, only those who take the jump can truly understand it. It's a personal feeling; you just can't put it into words! It's incredibly exhilarating! This is why I invite everyone to visit my site MeryRose.com to book your first jump! It'll be the most incredible moment in your lifetime!
Trying to steer my parachute pulling one of the risers. (The risers connect the parachute harness to the lines.) The risers of this older style of parachute are quite heavy, and my attempt was unsuccessful.
In our training, we were taught that once the T-10 parachute opened, we could disconnect one side of the carabiner connector from the reserve parachute, allowing it to hang next to my body. However, I had difficulty disconnecting it, so I pushed the reserve forward and looked down through the gap between my body and the reserve to see the ground beneath my feet.
Oh my God! I'm already flying low. Whatever God wants to do, it's time for me to prepare myself to do a good landing, like I learned in the class days. I said to myself screaming out loud.
"MERY, MY DAUGHTER, BE CAREFUL WITH LANDING."
The landing was into a clearing within a wild forest next to the airport. The ventral reserve had left a cut on my chin, and my helmet was now a barrier to my vision. As I struggled to remove it, a noise nearby startled me. I lifted the helmet to find myself unexpectedly face to face with an elderly man, his donkey laden with goods. The sight was so unexpected, it took me a moment to process.The man appeared visibly frightened, with a pale face and trembling all over. I got up, placed my helmet on the ground, and conversed with him to calm him down. "Sir, I don't even know where I am," I said. His reaction was immediate, "My God, it's a woman!" He quickly walked away from me, jumping backward and muttering something. "I understood everything you said," he said, stuttering and babbling. Still very scared, he continued, "You have just arrived in the city of Caxias, in the interior of Maranhão, in Brazil." He provided detailed information about my location.
Wow, how cool! I exclaimed. "What's your name?" I asked. "My name is Flores," he replied. "A welcome reception by Mr. Flores!" I cheered, and he smiled sheepishly.
The landing was in a clearing within a wild forest next to the airport. The ventral reserve had left a cut on my chin, and my helmet was now a barrier to my vision. As I struggled to remove it, a noise nearby called my attention. I lifted the helmet to find myself unexpectedly face to face with an elderly man, at his side, was a donkey loaded with goods. The sight was so unexpected, that it took me a moment to process what I saw.
I got up, placed my helmet on the ground, and conversed with him to calm him down. "Sir, I don't even know where I'm. How to get out of here," I said. His reaction was immediate, "My God, it's a woman!" He quickly walked away from me, jumping backward and muttering something. Now, he appeared visibly frightened, with a pale face and trembling all over.
I remembered a phrase a friend said to me when I told him I dreamed of being a skydiver: "Men have always been afraid of women who fly."
"I understood everything you said," said the man, stuttering and babbling. Still very scared, he continued, "You have just arrived in the city of Caxias, in the interior of Maranhão, in Brazil." He provided detailed information about my location.
Wow, how cool! I exclaimed smiling a little. "What's your name?" I asked. "My name is Flores," he replied. "A welcome reception by Mr. Flores!" I cheered, dancing, and he smiled sheepishly.
Fires were common at that time in the region. My parachute and my jumpsuit were completely covered in black coal dust. Looking at me, Mr. Flores still moved further away from me, was still really scared.
Mr. Flores continued to mumble quietly to himself. Then, from far away, he spoke to me again: "I saw when you arrived." He said. "When you fell to the ground, it made a huge noise. It was a boom, like thunder. The earth even shook." He said this very surprised and scared.
"Where are you from?" He asked with curiosity. "You can say anything, I understand everything you say," he added with admiration.
"Mr. Flores, I took off in a small airplane at the airport just here in Caxias a few minutes ago. I just made my first parachute jump," I said. YOU DID WHAT? He asked, a little confused. I took off in an airplane and when I was very high in the sky, at 1,200 meters altitude, I jumped out of the airplane. Then, my parachute opened and I flew in the sky for a few minutes, and now I'm here, alive and happy, celebrating with you. I explained to him. "AND IS THAT POSSIBLE?" He asked with great surprise. Mr. Flores, I just did something that you, as well as the rest of humanity worldwide, will never understand." I said to him. I was trying to be funny, to download the large dose of adrenaline that was still boiling in my veins.
The police jeep carrying two soldiers of the rescue team had arrived. They were happy to see that I was okay and that I had made a new friend. I introduced Mr. Flores to them. One of the soldiers was on the radio with the airport, and everyone was happy I was okay. "Mery, please return to the airport soon. The pilot is here at my side waiting to take off with you again. He's mentioning here that he loved your exit. He said that you had the best exit ever." Said Eduardo.
When I got back to the drop zone, I had never been so welcome in my entire life. The instructors opened the metal toolbox that I had nicknamed "Jewel Chest" at the start of our classes. The box contained all the necessary tools for maintaining our parachutes. They adjusted my equipment by lowering the brakes and making my parachute harness more adjustable to my body.
I did my second jump that afternoon and two more the next day. I successfully landed on the target in my last three jumps, securing my first title, bestowed upon me by my instructors and jumping peers: "Individual accuracy world champion."
We all completed four jumps in two days. Everything occurred without any incidents or disturbances. Afterward, we returned to Teresina in military vehicles. That night, we won a big surprise party at the Hotel Piauí party room, where we received our certificates from the military authorities. Food and drinks were served to the distinguished guests and the Parachutist Heroes until dawn. The 20 soldier-skydivers, Maria, I, the two instructors, and the pilots welcomed the Commander CTC for a big photo. Maria and I didn't become friends, but we grew closer. When the party ended at 6:00 am., I was very tired, exhausted, but very happy.
Soon after my first jumps, I became interested in classic parachuting competitions—style and accuracy, the only two existing at the time.
The Military Dictatorship was a political regime led by the Brazilian Armed Forces that lasted for 21 years, from 1964 to 1985. This period coincided with the rise of the female empowerment movement in Brazil, which refers to a woman's ability to control various aspects of her life, including financial, emotional, social, political, gender, educational, sporting, and physical dimensions. Notably, female participation in the Armed Forces in Brazil only became possible in the 1980s.
In 1974, in the history of Brazilian parachuting, it was not even thought that a 19-year-old adolescent woman could join military parachuting, approaching the Commander of the Military Police to authorize her to participate in a parachuting course in a barracks with more than a thousand men — Nowadays, I have the dimension of tenderness I had to fulfill the dream I had of flying since I was a child when I played with the birds in Castelo-Sítio.
I was ahead of my time in many ways without knowing it. Fulfilling a big dream at 19 is like being born again into a full life. When I was 5 years old, I dreamed of flying with birds like a Marvel comic book character. At the age of 8, when I discovered the existence of parachute jumping after watching a television program about the Parachute Infantry Regiment, I told myself that I would fly when I grew up.
In 1975, I relocated to Brasilia, the federal capital, after succeeding in the competition for federal public servants at ELETRONORTE—North Power Stations.
That same year, I was one of the founders of the first skydiving club in Brasília, "Departmento de Paraquedismo do Aeroclube de Brasília," located in the city of Luziana, near Brasilia. Our club earned a few hours of flight time on military planes, and we had fun jumping for free at Bandeirantes, Buffalo, and/or Hercules, on the weekends. As the only woman in the group, I became the 'news girl' for the Club, with the local press, looking for new members to form the first skydiving course of our new club. I quickly became known among the more than 2,000 employees of Eletronorte and in the more than 20 ministries of the federal capital.
Historic Jump.
This jump holds a special place at the beginning of my skydiving journey; at 22 years old, I celebrated my 20th jump, realizing my first free-fall jump. I passed the “A” license test, and I recorded an unprecedented fact in the history of Brazilian female skydiving; as I became the first woman to jump with a ram-air "square" parachute in Brazil.
This jump holds a special place at the beginning of my skydiving journey; I did my first free-fall jump, I passed the “A”, license test, and I recorded an unprecedented fact in the history of Brazilian female skydiving; as I became the first woman to jump with a ram-air "square" parachute in Brazil.
The Strato Cloud parachute was manufactured by Para Flite in the USA that same year. It became the prevailing accuracy parachute in the market, replacing the T-10 parachute in world competitions. The Strato Star, a 5-cell accuracy parachute, and the PC and Papillon round parachutes, also gradually faded from skydiving championships. From then on, it seemed like the gold rush - everyone was buying a Strato Cloud.
Strato Star - Small Containers:Strato Star - Small and light Containers:
With its mere 5-cells, the Strato Star parachute was a game-changer in the industry mondial, delighting everyone with its lightweight and small container design. When the Strat Cloud 7-Cells was introduced to the world, the Strat Star not only left the market but also set the standard for a significantly smaller container size. This shift in size requirements meant that any competing products would need to fit into a Strato Star-sized container - to have any chance of making sales.
At the time, I always had problems with equipment that was too loose on my body. As I have a small stature, at the beginning of the 80s, I bought my Parafoil-252 with a custom-made container. With the comfort of the container adjusted to the body, my jumps, both in terms of accuracy and style, began to show great technical evolution.
The first parachute I owned was a Papillon, which was French-made. It was a very beautiful, colorful round parachute.With a Strato Cloud, I won my first Brazilian Classic Overall 'Style & Accuracy' Championships in 1981. I brought home three gold medals and two trophies: 1st place for accuracy, 1st place for style, and 1st place Overall Champion (the combination of accuracy & style).I often wonder how I consistently hit the dead centers (10-centimeter diameters at the time) while using a round parachute with a ventral reserve and landing on hard ground. Even jumping with "square" parachutes, the landing was tricky and sore because we didn't have a soft surface (air mattress) at the time like we have today.
I Love my Parachutes!
In the last 27 years, I have used the Classic accuracy parachute.
Para-Foil 252
Classic 235
Classic 259
Stay tuned for the next 2nd part of my story
Skydive
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