Bush’s skydive at 85 commendable

I hope I’m as spry as George H.W. Bush when I’m 85 years old.

Today the 41st President will maintain a birthday tradition he began on his 75th and 80th birthdays by skydiving with the Army Golden Knights over the skies of Kennebunkport, Maine.

I have to say the mere thought of skydiving has frightened me since I was old enough to even contemplate such a feat. A former World War II Navy airman, Bush certainly has a knack for it. To keep it up even as a ceremonial gesture at such an advanced age is noteworthy.

I prefer my flying in really large jets sipping a Coke and listening to my iPod.

Parachuting out of a plane?

No way.

I’ve met Army Rangers and recreational parachutists, and I honestly don’t know how they pull it off. Way to go.

This isn’t a veiled political endorsement either. I voted for Michael Dukakis in 1988 and Bill Clinton in 1992.

Bush’s nerve to do this at his age is commendable.

Living life to its fullest for as long as possible should be a hope and prayer for anyone which transcends politics.