SULLIVAN, Mo. – Charlotte Moszczenski, who is 85 years old, is somewhat unpredictable. However, what she achieved on Friday tells a different tale.
“I’m prepared. I’m very prepared,” Moszczenski stated.
“She’s extremely determined, very stubborn, and there was no way to convince her otherwise,” said Charlotte’s daughter, Lisa Reando.
Nevertheless, when Charlotte’s daughter Lisa found out her mother was planning to go skydiving, she had some reservations about the idea.
“I considered, why didn’t she do it when she was much younger and more physically capable, but her explanation is logical,” Reando stated.
The basis of Moszczenski’s argument came from her late husband, Walter.
My spouse served as a paratrooper. 101stAirborne. Screaming Eagles. I’ve always had a desire to do this. It’s my moment, in a way, honoring him,” Moszczenski said.
Walter Moszczenski was one of the original members of the St. Louis Parachute Club and passed away at the age of 37.
“He would be proud of her, I am certain. And he would understand better than to discourage her from it,” Reando said.
Still youthful in spirit, Charlotte’s Friday skydiving experience at SkyDive STL was made possible by the “Dream Come True Program” provided by “Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights,” where she resides in south St. Louis County.
Some of the staff were among the family and friends observing as Charlotte got ready to depart.
“Sign my life away and listen to some directions, which I’ve already lost track of. My friend here said he’ll let me know what to do,” Moszczenski stated.
As the engine roared and her parachute was prepared, Charlotte and her instructor, Noah, launched into the air.
Above 10,000 feet, the moment arrived to take flight. A short time later, FOX 2 observed Charlotte and Noah descending toward the ground with a smooth touchdown.
“What did you think? Do it again?” asked her teacher, Noah.
“I’m prepared. Let’s return upwards. Yes!” responded Moszczenski.
Inside the hangar, a celebration for Charlotte and turning your dream into reality.
“She isn’t motivating me to go skydiving, but she does encourage you to examine the things you want and need to do while you still can,” Reando said.
“It was a unique opportunity for me,” Moszczenski stated.
And an opportunity to participate in an experience that shaped her late husband’s life.
“He’d say, ‘I can’t believe you did it, but he’d be proud,’” Moszczenski remarked.
We all are, Charlotte.
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