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I purchased this pin for my friend, Kim. She's been by my side the past year as I've been on an emotional roller coaster. I lost my pug to lymphoma in September 2010. Kim was there for me to talk to, cry to and to cheer me up. I've dealt with a lot of illness in the past year as well and again, Kim was there for me to keep my spirits up. I've felt like giving up so many times and she's been there to lift me back up and keep me laughing. I feel like I've known her forever and I know I can trust her with anything. We met on a pug forum and grew close through our love of pugs. She's like a sister to me and besides my husband, my best friend. I know I can always count on her to catch me when I'm falling and bring me back to reality and make me laugh. We've never met, nor even spoken on the phone but we're always in contact through texts or Facebook. I think neither one of us are phone talkers! My hope is that one day soon, we will be able to meet and I can tell her face to face how much she really means to me. I have been in a depression the past year since losing my pug and if it weren't for Kim, I'm not sure if I could now see the light at the end of the tunnel. She's so very much appreciated. Thank you, Kim.

This set of tandem pins was a perfect way for me to express to my best friend, Sandra Cox, how much it meant to me to have her by my side for the past 35 years, supporting me during my ups and downs with her unconditional love. She enjoyed me at my best and held me at my worst. Always just a phone call away, and at my side in a heart beat. Sandra, I love you more than words can express.

I gave this set of pin to my daughter, Ashley Nikole Page. This summer we experienced something together for the first time. On our road trip from Florida to Michigan, we stopped in Indianapolis and did something that she has been dreaming of doing for as long as I can remember. We jumped out of a plane! I determined to make memories on this summer trip that we would never forget... and we did. This pin was a perfect gift to her, to remind her of this wonderful experience she had with her mom.

Giving this pin to my most favorite person that walks the planet and who's life provided the kindest, most loving,Jesus in skin landing I could have ever hoped or prayed for. Thank You KM. I owe my life to you...

To the love of my life, the man that has held me close and asked me to be his wife. Our love story may not have gone so picture perfect and we have truly seen our share of tears, but we both know there isn't another person in the universe who loves each other more than we do. When I pushed you away it was out of love. When you held me back it was out of love. Now we have to be there for each other and now I know what this tandem pin is really all about. You have shown me how to be a better person. Because of you I am able to be Karen Burgamy again. Hang on baby, because the best is yet to come. With all my heart and prayers til the end of time. You are the one for me. I love you!

Landing in New Delhi, India wasn't easy for either of us, whether by choice or for a job relocation. Both of us were blessed to have landed, not so softly at first, within just five days of each other; and we bonded pretty quickly. Naomi has been my soft landing/my saving grace/my shoulder to cry on during my first time living outside of the U.S. and I'm so thankful for her. She gave me the pin, through tears in both of our eyes, and I was wishing i had one to give in return! It was exactly how i felt about her. She truly has been my soft landing in a very rocky terrain and for that I'm thankful! Thanks to Parachute Promise for realizing the importance of appreciating friends; there is honestly nothing better than a true friend!

To Annie My name is Robert. I am a 26 year old, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from lack of oxygen for an undetermined amount of time while undergoing standard ACL repair in 2009. I was in a coma for 4 months and was labeled anoxic. 7 months later I was moved to an excellent brain trauma rehab, called Pate Rehabilitation. A tech there, named Annie, took care of me on the night shifts. She has become very special and important to my well being and recovery. She helped me take my first steps, listened to my troubles, supported me when I was down, and most importantly, gave me inspiration to NEVER give up. She is not only a "tech" to me, she is a wonderful friend. She is truly my parachute, and I hope that we can always remain friends when I go home. Thank you Annie!!! You are truly a very special person, and I will always remember you. Thank you soooo much for the soft landing you have blessed me with!! Always, Robert

For Michael - There is so much that I could share, but it's difficult to find the words to express what I truly feel. Please, let this be a beginning... Thank you, for the color you've brought into my world; for all the times you've made me laugh, made me crazy, and made me laugh again; for having the strength and courage to be honest - even when it would be easier and more comfortable to hide the truth, and for being constant, steady, and strong - especially when I can't be. Thank you for bothering to look close enough to see me as I truly am, to notice the small or subtle changes in the tone of my voice or in my mood. Even though part of me hates that you can see that deeply, thank you for noticing, for calling me on it, and for always asking what you can do and how you can make things better. Thank you for all that you are to me - my hero, my safe haven, my friend, my balance, my love, and my lion. The road we are on isn't an easy one to travel, but we're not done yet. The end of our story has yet to be written. I don't know where we'll go from here, but I do know that no matter where that may be, we'll be the better for it because we will have traveled that road together. When you look at your pin, when you hold it in your hand, know that no matter how far apart we may be, I will always be with you.

For my mom - I'm not 3 anymore, so I can't crawl into your lap and wait for you to chase the bad things away, and we aren't close enough for me to ask for a hug on a particularly hard day, but it doesn't matter. I know in my heart, and without any doubt, that no matter how far apart we are you are always with me. Thank you! Thank you for your love, our laughter and smiles, your words of wisdom, and the long distance shoulder you let me cry on when I need to. Thank you for reminding me that God is in charge and sometimes I just need to relax and let life unfold before me as it will. Thank you for loving me through the good moments and the bad, and for supporting me when don't have the strength to stand on my own. Mom, please let this gift be a tangible representation of my thanks to you, of the things I forget to say, and the things that I just cannot find the words for.

For Joy, my Other Mother - It's so difficult to know where to begin. You do so much for us, and I honestly don't know where we'd be without you. I try to show you my appreciation... for the financial help, for driving me back and forth to the doctor - Heck, for driving us back and forth everywhere - for the emotional support, for the times when you persist even though I know it would be much easier for you to throw you hands up and shoo me in some other direction, for everything... but my thanks, the words, they just never feel like enough. You didn't sign up for this. You didn't ask to have to deal with an adult child, much less a stepdaughter, with MS, and who has needed so much help, but you've done it anyway, and you continue to do so. How can I ever thank you enough for that? Please, let this gift serve as a reminder to you that I see, and appreciate, from the bottom of my heart, the many ways that you have been a supporter, a parent, and a friend.... always providing me with a soft landing

For my Dad: He makes me laugh, he makes me roll my eyes at his silly jokes, and sometimes he frustrates me. He knows these things well. I wonder though if he knows the rest... I wonder if he knows that I can see beyond the shell he presents to the world to the beautiful, gentle, and loving soul that lies beneath. Since I've never voiced the words, I wonder if he knows how many memories I have of him being present in my life - not just there, but truly present - guiding, teaching, loving, sharing, laughing, and protecting. Each memory, each moment, has made an imprint on my soul, and has helped to shape me into the person that I am. I wonder if he knows that no matter how often we bump heads, and no matter what happens from this day forward, he has always been and will always be respected, cherished, and loved for exactly the man he is... sum total, inside and out, corny jokes and all.

A very special person gave mine to me. She does not know how amazing she is to me. I look up to this person so much. She is so strong. I am very honored to have her as a friend.

I bought mine to remind me of the love,and support that my deceased baby sister gave me throughout the hardest times in my life. I wear it mostly for her because I would have given it to her and she passed before I could have given it to her. If I had found it before she passed from CF that she had all of her life I would have given it to her.

I met Kat in 07 when she stayed at our B & B in NM. Trouble, worried, hurting; we talked, we prayed, we cried and I lent her a book or two. I have often prayed for her over the last few years when she called me two weeks ago and gifted me with one of her necklaces. Though she gifted it to me for my part in helping her, THIS time she blessed me as my parachute partner because of what we are going through with the business here. This is a wonderful idea, It is so nice to know that there is someone to pull the pin and know that a parachute of love, prayer and hope is kept close to the heart of someone who cares. There is faith in the prayers with a friend and faith in the Almighty binds us together (THE CORDS) There is hope in the hugs of a friend and when we are surrounded by the Lord hugging each other nothing can beat us down (THE CHUTE) There is love when you are a friend and love can create miracles. (THE PIN) Remember Prayer in Christ LINKS us together so that NOTHING can break us apart. (THE PACK) Thank you Kat!

The heart and mind behind parachute promise knows how much this means to me. I am honored and blessed beyond belief to have so many wonderful people in my life celebrating my journey

I once did a free-fall jump out of a plane. I could not get my parachute release pin to work. Guides had to jump to race and save me. Today, I happen to be in another free fall. I am a piano man on a truck www.travelingpiano.com creating music for people to discover with fun, friendship and respect, musical empowerment and inspiration. My partner, best friend and buddy, Boner the Traveling Piano dog, used to hang out with me on top of my piano. He passed away from old age just over a month ago. Together for over fifteen years we shared our partnership with the world. I am now free falling through a life of uncertainty without my partner. A parachute pin was given to me as a gift and felt very personal, significant enough that I had to consciously allow myself to accept and embrace it. such a strong act of kindness. a reminder that today there is no need to be saved. I have friends to help provide and ensure a soft landing through life's transitions. Gratitude and Love shared!

I received my parachute pin for my birthday this past Tuesday. It was actually a gift from my supervisor, who over the years has become more like a 2nd mother to me. I went skydiving last month and she told me she wanted to get me something to do with "skydiving" but she wanted something different. She has helped me through so many things in my life. I can't count how many times we have sat in her office talking about "life" when we both should be working! She is one of very few who understands the true meaning of friendship. I had a really bad birthday and when she gave me this gift the day after my birthday, I was almost speechless. The meaning behind this pin is one that not very many people will ever understand. Not very many people will share that emotion. It's amazing how a small gift of gratitude will make you feel so much better. I was thinking about getting her one but she told me you sent her one as well. I told her she should wear it...as we both have been there for each other. I'm now 30 years old and I can honestly say this is the BEST gift I have ever received....EVER! And I just wanted to say thank you to you guys as well, not only for creating such a thoughtful idea, but my supervisor told me that you guys were really nice to her and we're great to work with. I will be ordering a few from you guys soon for x-mas gift. Thanks to T. Thomas!

Today I received a parachute promise from co-founder, Kat. Wow, she really made my day! She said that I was the first person to notice, admire, and inquire about her necklace (some time ago). It really made my day and got me thinking about how many people in my life have supported me through tough times. I was very touched. Kat you are awesome!!!!!

For our beloved son on his birthday: The memories of watching you grow have been gifts that we may never be able to repay. We hope you will enjoy this small symbol of our love for you. That same love is a design that was crafted by heaven and, because of that, will never die. You are special in so many ways. We love you! Mom & Dad

I am gifting this to my mother for her birthday this year. When I 1st saw this gift of gratitude, I immediately thought of her. There has been no one in my life that has given me as many "soft landings" as she. She has picked me up more times than I can remember. She is an amazing woman and the best parts of me, I get from her. I love you! Thank you for being my best friend, but more important thank you for being my "mom"....

I am gifting this to my newest, true friend. Very rarely have I found another man that I can be open and share with. There is no fear of judgment or reprisal. He came into my life when I made a huge lifestyle change ? sobriety. I dropped my old friends as quick as I could and needed somebody to just listen and understand what I am going through. We share stories, which is hard sometimes because we both love to talk. He and I are very similar in so many ways. He is close in age, married, and has kids the same age as mine. And recently we realized that we even attend the same church. Everyday I look forward to another conversation, even if it is just random what not's, and whatever's. I am so thankful to have him in my life; God really did me a huge favor for bringing him into my life. I love you G.B. Thank you for the soft landings so far, and any to come.

I gifted this one to my Dad for Father's Day. From the first moment I can remember he has been there for me. When I was a child, he was gone to Vietnam and Thailand for a year at a time, and even then I knew I was loved. As I grew, he was there to talk to - my sounding board - even in the middle of the night. Now that I am an adult, I realize that the love he gave me was a small glimpse of the love that God has for us all. I know that the woman I am today is because of the love, care, discipline and dedication he has shown me my whole life. There have been more "soft landings" than I can count - more hugs, more smiles, more tears. . . Daddy, Thank you. Daddy, I love you.

I have always liked the outdoors, but for whatever reason have not taken any serious steps to making it part of my life. This all changed with a canoe trip last summer 07. Ever since than my wife, Tracie, has been the most supportive person on this journey. She has been my support, my coach, my peer and my teacher. I am so lucky to have a wife that thinks I can accomplish what ever I set my mind to. I leave tomorrow, 6-22-08, for the first of many trips to the wilderness and it is for the most part because Tracie has been there as my partner. I will see you when I get back and I Love You Tracie.

I am gifting this pin to my father. A man who's loving heart has always been open to me, through countless trials and tribulations. Guiding and tangibly assisting me every time he could. I am inspired by the gracious love he shows to all he meets. My dad is the kind of person that will put his life on hold to help me, my family and those he loves, at any given moment. There were so many times that he has been there for me. This single token, represents a life time of "soft landings". I love you dad!

We are gifting these pins to our dad and stepmother. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the times you gave us guidance, love and support. As young children, we forget sometimes to be grateful for all the acts of love that come with being a parent. Now that we are grown, we are filled with gratitude each day for those acts of love and strive to do the same in our relationships. You have taught us values that we carry with us always. Thank you for being there even when things have been rough and for always listening and knowing, somehow, when to give or not give advice. Thank you for continuing to pass on your unconditional love to us and now to your grandchildren. They do not know the gift they have in the two of you, but someday when they are grown will see the magic too! Thank you both for your countless "soft landings"! WE LOVE YOU BOTH!

I'm blessed to have received a tangible gift as a reminder of so many intangible experiences and lessons. I had a soft landing AND a necklace! WOOT! Thanks, to both the founders of Parachute Promises. You're amazing women who carry a powerful message of love, grace and humility. It's a small world which continues to shrink every day. I'm glad to have you as friends.

One of the Founders my dear friend "Kit'ten" arrived on my doorstep 30 miles out of her way to let me know she could not make it for dinner. This unusual cancellation began a journey that saved both of our lives ODAAT! Together we are fellow Veterans, PTSD survivors, and share the scars of long journeys in unlikely places. This fellowship of the Spirit, the nurturing of a LOVE for LIFE, and the living examples of forgiveness in action tempered our long standing relationship. Celebrating an amazing anniversary of not just surviving but the celebration of LIVING fully my friend presented me a pin on a necklace as a thank you. There were a hand full of us invited to this gathering we each had been gifted the necklace and none of us knew what the pin was as none of us had sky dived or had a diver in our lives. When my friend received her moment of recognition she shared with us that "We each had given her the tools and examples so she too could have soft landings." From this inspirational public presentation grew this amazing touchstone of appreciation and love.